Bernadette Chirac

Bernadette Chirac, born on May eighteenth, nineteen thirty-three, is a prominent French politician and the widow of Jacques Chirac, a former president of France. Their paths first crossed as students at Sciences Po, leading to their marriage on March sixteenth, nineteen fifty-six. Together, they raised two daughters: Laurence, born on March fourth, nineteen fifty-eight, who sadly passed away on April fourteenth, two thousand sixteen, and Claude Chirac, born on December sixth, nineteen sixty-two. Additionally, they welcomed a foster daughter, Anh Dao Traxel, a former Vietnamese refugee.

Since two thousand one, Bernadette has dedicated herself to charitable work as the patron of Opération Pièces jaunes, an initiative aimed at supporting children in French hospitals through the collection of small donations. Her commitment to social causes reflects her compassionate nature and desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Bernadette played a significant role in her husband's political career, notably contributing to his successful presidential campaign in nineteen ninety-five. Her popularity and public appeal were instrumental during his reelection campaign in two thousand two. Beyond her role as First Lady, she also served as a councillor in Corrèze, the couple's home département, further solidifying her influence in French politics.

In September two thousand seven, she took on the role of president of the Fondation Claude-Pompidou, following the passing of Claude Pompidou, a former First Lady of France. Bernadette Chirac's life is a testament to her dedication to family, philanthropy, and public service.