Hariri calls Chirac one of France’s ‘greatest men’ as tributes pour in for ex-president
FRENCH IN MOURNING
Former French President Jacques Chirac died on Thursday at the age of 86 after a long battle with deteriorating health, prompting tributes from across the political spectrum for a charismatic statesman who famously said “non” to the 2003 Iraq war.
The center-right Chirac, acknowledged even by foes as a canny political fighter, rose to prominence as mayor of Paris before becoming prime minister and then serving as head of state from 1995 to 2007. Former opponents and supporters hailed his common touch and enduring popularity, while world leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin acclaimed his service to France.
Lebanon’s prime minister called him one of “France’s greatest men” and a “spiritual twin” of his late father. “Today, the world lost one of France’s greatest men,” Saad Hariri said.
“He held Lebanon’s hand during its toughest times and was always at the forefront when it came to defending the country’s freedom, sovereignty and independence,” he added.
The prime minister said that Chirac’s death also marked a great loss to his family.
Chirac’s death marks a “special loss of a dear friend, who was the spiritual twin” of Rafiq Hariri “and a big brother to my family,” the Lebanese prime minister said.
His time as head of state from 1995-2007 saw France play a leading role in Lebanon, most notably in 2005, when he helped lead international efforts to push Syrian troops out of the country. President Emmanuel Macron announced a day of national mourning for Monday, when a mass will take place at the SaintSulpice church in Paris.
“We French have lost a statesman whom we loved as much as he loved us,” Macron said in an address to the nation from the Elysee Palace, hailing Chirac as a “great Frenchman” who had “embodied” France.
Chirac’s death prompted intense discussions about his legacy to France, with commentators united in admiration of his wily political skills and homey style, but divided on what he achieved.