On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Christian Estrosi, accompanied by Claude Chirac and his elected officials, inaugurated the Bernadette Chirac space.
The Bernadette Chirac space now exists in Nice at 10 Rue Molière. This space honors the president of the Hospitals of Paris Foundation for her 25 years of dedication and tireless work in service of those most vulnerable due to illness or loss of autonomy. The location was not chosen by chance, as Christian Estrosi noted, “Across from the Claude Pompidou Institute, it was obviously the most suitable location.”
A Committed Woman
The mayor of Nice wished to thank Bernadette Chirac for her work. Throughout her life, she has served those most vulnerable due to illness or loss of autonomy, “the foremost of French women at the bedside of the French.” She served as president of the Hospitals of Paris Foundation from 1994 until 2019 and was also the organizer of the “Pièces Jaunes” initiative. It is thanks to her that the system of starting or ending this initiative is based in Nice. The Claude Pompidou Institute was also able to come into being thanks to her. Christian Estrosi wanted to honor not only her commitment to “Pièces Jaunes” but also her political career. Much more than just the president’s wife, she managed to assert herself and gradually win over the hearts of the French, particularly in Corrèze, where she was elected from 1977 to 2020. “She knew how to listen and especially to hear what was being said to her,” declares Christian Estrosi.
A Moment of Pride
Nice holds a special place in the heart of Bernadette Chirac, and her daughter wished to convey her mother’s gratitude: “On behalf of Bernadette and Jacques, I want to say thank you.” She made it clear that Madame Chirac is aware of this ceremony. It is an honor for her to see this space come to life and she feels deeply honored by it.
