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A woman close to people, rooted in Corrèze
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In Corrèze, emotion is strong. President of the departmental council, Pascal Coste speaks of “someone who is very close to people”. A woman who is both “very traditional” and capable of understanding developments in society, attentive to the youngest as well as to the major political movements of her time.
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Bernadette Chirac left her mark on local public life with her patience and her sense of listening. “She advanced slowly, but she traced a deep furrow…,” sums up Pascal Coste, recalling a personality respected for her values and her constancy.
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“She didn’t give up anything for her canton”
Former President of the Republic and long-time elected official from Corrèze, François Hollande hailed “an obstinate, determined, dedicated, but above all independent lady”. From Milhac-d’Auberoche (Dordogne), he recalled “his style, his authenticity, sometimes his roughness, but always his commitment”.
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An elected official who is accessible and loyal to her territory
Senator from Corrèze, Daniel Chasseing remembers a woman “very attached to her canton”, close to the inhabitants, going door to door during her campaigns. “She knew all the families,” he testifies, also mentioning her role in local economic development, both artisanal and industrial.
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In Corrèze, Bernadette Chirac was perceived as accessible and warm, far from the sometimes more distant image associated with the national scene.
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Registers of condolences and tribute to come
A register of condolences is now open at the Jacques Chirac museum in Sarran, accessible day and night. A second will be installed in Tulle, on the departmental council, where Bernadette Chirac sat throughout her political life.
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A tribute, both religious and secular, should be organized at the end of his funeral, around what was close to his heart: culture and the link with the inhabitants.
