Former French PM Édouard Balladur dies at 97
Balladur, who served as prime minister from 1993 to 1995, was known for his role in major privatisations and pension system reform, and has been paid tribute to by French President Emmanuel Macron
Former French Prime Minister Édouard Balladur has died at the age of 97, as announced by his family and confirmed by French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and other officials. Balladur served as prime minister from 1993 to 1995 under President François Mitterrand and was known for his role in major privatisations and pension system reform.
Balladur was a leading figure in the privatisation of state companies, including Société Générale and Paribas. He worked alongside socialist president François Mitterrand, carrying out several major reforms during his tenure as prime minister.
Édouard Balladur was born in 1929 in Turkey to a family of Armenian origin. He later moved to Marseille and eventually made his way to Paris, where he studied at the prestigious Sciences Po and Ecole Nationale d'Administration. He became a close adviser to Georges Pompidou and later served as President François Mitterrand's last prime minister from March 1993 to May 1995.
Balladur died in Paris, and a private mass will be held for him. He was cleared of wrongdoing in 2021 related to the financing of his 1995 presidential campaign. French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Édouard Balladur, calling him a 'demanding, level-headed, and devoted public servant' who had 'dedicated his life to the Fifth Republic.'
## Why it matters The death of Édouard Balladur marks the end of an era in French politics. As a leading figure in the Fifth Republic, Balladur played a significant role in shaping the country's economy and politics. His legacy will be remembered for his reformist spirit and his dedication to public service. The tributes paid by French President Emmanuel Macron and other officials reflect the respect and admiration that Balladur commanded during his lifetime.
## What happens next A private mass will be held for Édouard Balladur, and his family and loved ones will be remembered in the thoughts and prayers of the French people. As the country mourns the loss of a statesman who left his mark on French public life, his legacy will continue to be felt in the years to come.
