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Former Prime Minister Édouard Balladur dies at 97

Édouard Balladur passed away on Monday in Paris, as announced by his family. He served as Prime Minister from 1993 to 1995 under François Mitterrand.

31 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Former Prime Minister Édouard Balladur dies at 97 — Photo: Dutch National Archives · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 nl

Former French Prime Minister Édouard Balladur died on Monday at the age of 97 in Paris, according to an announcement from his family reported by the AFP agency.

Balladur served as the last Prime Minister under François Mitterrand during the period of cohabitation, from March 1993 to May 1995. He is known for being a prominent figure on the French right, particularly due to his split with Jacques Chirac, who was previously his ally.

His political career was marked by tensions with Chirac, culminating in the 1995 presidential election, where he was defeated. This rivalry had a profound impact on French politics.

According to several sources, a mass will be held privately for family members, although the exact details regarding the ceremony have not been specified.

Balladur's death has been confirmed by several media outlets, including RTBF and 20 Minutes, each highlighting his significant role in French political history and the transformations of the right during his term.

Reactions following his death reflect on his impact and political legacy, showcasing how he navigated the complexities of French politics in the 1990s.

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