Bernadette Chirac, who was married to former French President Jacques Chirac for more than sixty years, passed away at the age of 94.
The former first lady was very popular among the French and played an important role in her husband's political career, reports NOS.
For many years, Bernadette was one of Jacques Chirac's main advisors. In his memoirs published in 2011, the former president wrote: "She is the woman of my life, together we have achieved a lot." Jacques Chirac himself, who led France for twelve years, passed away in 2019 at the age of 86.
Bernadette Chirac remains the only first lady of France who held elected political positions herself. From 1979 to 2015, she was a member of the Corrèze departmental council, and in 1977 she became the deputy mayor of the commune of Sarran, while her husband built his political career in Paris.
A Love That Lasted a Lifetime
Bernadette and Jacques met while studying at the prestigious Paris Institute of Political Studies Sciences Po and married in 1956.
During his career, Jacques Chirac served as the mayor of Paris for 18 years, was twice the Prime Minister of France, headed the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture, and in 1995 won the presidential election, defeating socialist Lionel Jospin.
Chirac was considered a conservative politician. He was the first president of France to officially acknowledge the country's responsibility for its participation in the Holocaust and actively opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.
The French appreciated him for his sense of humor and charisma, but his political biography was not without scandals. In 2011, a court found Chirac guilty of embezzlement of public funds.
Trials of Family Life
Jacques Chirac was also known for his numerous affairs. Bernadette did not hide the fact that she was aware of her husband's infidelities.
In a 2016 documentary, she admitted that women flocked to him "like moths to a flame." According to her, power and money always attract the attention of the opposite sex.
"I could have cheated too, but I didn’t. To be honest, I loved my husband very much," Bernadette said.
While at the Élysée Palace, she managed to become an independent and influential figure, not limited to the role of the president's wife. Bernadette was known for her straightforwardness, strong character, and impeccable style. She was often seen in Chanel suits and large Dior sunglasses.
Charity and Public Activity
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences on the passing of Bernadette Chirac. In his address, he noted that together with Jacques Chirac, she left a significant mark in the history of the country.
A book of condolences was opened at the Élysée Palace.
Charity held a special place in Bernadette's life. For many years, she was the face of the Opération Pièces Jaunes foundation, which raises funds to improve the conditions for children and adolescents in hospitals.
Personal Tragedy
The couple raised two daughters. The elder daughter, Laurence Chirac, passed away at the age of 58 from a heart attack. In her youth, she suffered from meningitis, after which she struggled with an eating disorder.
The younger daughter, Claude Chirac, was for many years her father's closest political advisor and remained by his side until the end of his life.
In 2023, a satirical comedy titled Bernadette was released, dedicated to Bernadette Chirac's years at the Élysée Palace. The lead role in the film was played by Catherine Deneuve.
