World News
Former French Prime Minister Édouard Balladur dies at 97
Balladur led France's government from 1993 to 1995 under President François Mitterrand.
The short version
- Former French Prime Minister Édouard Balladur passed away in Paris on Monday at the age of 97, his family announced.
- Balladur served as prime minister under socialist President François Mitterrand from March 1993 to May 1995, overseeing major privatizations of state-owned enterprises.
- He launched an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 1995, losing to his former political ally Jacques Chirac.
Key facts
- Édouard Balladur died in Paris at age 97, according to a statement from his family.[France 24]
- Balladur served as prime minister of France from March 1993 to May 1995 alongside President François Mitterrand.[France 24]
- During his tenure as prime minister, Balladur carried out significant privatizations of state companies.[France 24]
- He ran for president in 1995 but lost to Jacques Chirac.[France 24]
What remains uncertain
- Specific timing and location details regarding the private Mass service for Balladur were not disclosed by his family.[France 24]