LINE

Text:AAAPrint
Politics

France to hold day of mourning for Jacques Chirac

1
2019-09-27 08:43:53Xinhua Editor : Gu Liping ECNS App Download

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday evening declared next Monday, Sept. 30, a national day of mourning for former President Jacques Chirac, who passed away Thursday morning at age 86.

In a nationally televised speech paying tribute to his predecessor, Macron lauded Chirac as a statesman who "incarnated a certain ideal of France" and "a great Frenchman loving our land, our history and our culture."

The national day of mourning will include a requiem mass at the Saint-Sulpice church in Paris. Condolences may be offered at the Elysee Palace from Thursday evening until Sunday, the French presidency said.

Chirac had been active in French politics for over half a century. He was a two-term president (1995-2007), served twice as prime minister and for nearly two decades as mayor of Paris.

He was also well known overseas. In 2003, he defiantly opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq. He stood for a "multipolar world" and called for closer ties with Asia and Africa. Enditem

MorePhoto

Most popular in 24h

MoreTop news

MoreVideo

News
Politics
Business
Society
Culture
Military
Sci-tech
Sports
Odd
Features
ECNS Wire
Biz
Economy
Travel
Photo
CNS Photo
Video
Video
Special Coverage
Voices
LINE
Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©1999-2019 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.