France paid tribute on January 5 to Jacques Delors, Minister of the Economy under François Mitterrand, former President of the European Commission, who died on December 27 at the age of 98. President Emmanuel Macron praised during this ceremony his political commitment on the French scene, but also the apostle of European construction that he was, in the presence of many leaders and his daughter Martine Aubry, and her family.
3 mins
The Ode to JoyThen Marseillaiseresounded in the main courtyard of the Invalides, says RFI’s special correspondent, Charlotte Urien Tomaka, present at the national tribute to Jacques Delors. The Head of State, Emmanuel Macron praised the visionary intuitions of Jacques Delors, who succeeded in reconciling his left-wing convictions with those of Gaullism, but also the one who knew how to reconcile Europe with its future.
The French president underlined the major role of the architect of the Schengen agreements in 1985, but also concerning the creation of the single currency in 1999. In his wishes addressed to the population, the president had already invoked his heritage, by choosing to defend a stronger and more sovereign Europe.
Even if the Élysée stressed that it was not a campaign, the head of state’s speech resonated a few months before the European elections in June, while the far right is in the lead in France in the polls.
Especially since Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, leader of the nationalist movement in Europe, was present at this tribute.
To recall the concrete achievements of Jacques Delors, around a hundred students from the Erasmus program came from all over Europe. France, which invited all the heads of state and governments of the European Union, as well as the leaders of current or current community institutions, when Jacques Delors was sitting in Brussels.
Everyone is then received for lunch at the Élysée. The mayor of Lille, Martine Aubry, daughter of Mr. Delors, was closely involved in the preparations for the ceremony, but did not speak. Tribute also in the presence of many ministers.
A family photo, perhaps the last, of a government that expects a reshuffle any day now.
Read alsoFrance: death of Jacques Delors, the man who did not want to be president