Patrick Devedjan in 2009. - G. Varela / 20 minutes

The president of the Hauts-de-Seine departmental council and former minister of Nicolas Sarkozy, Patrick Devedjian (LR), died in the night from Saturday to Sunday from the consequences of the coronavirus, his press service announced to AFP.

Diagnosed positive for Covid-19, the 75-year-old politician had been placed under observation Wednesday in a hospital of the department. Thursday, he had indicated in a tweet to be "affected by the epidemic, therefore able to testify directly to the exceptional work of doctors and all caregivers". "Tired but stabilized thanks to them, I go back up the hill and send them a very big thank you for their constant help to all the patients," he added.

I am affected by the epidemic, therefore able to bear witness directly to the exceptional work of the doctors and all the nursing staff. Tired but stabilized thanks to them, I go back up the hill and send them a very big thank you for their constant help to all the patients.

- Patrick Devedjian (@DevedjianP) March 26, 2020

A long political career

A lawyer by profession, Patrick Devedjian was a deputy for the 13th district of Hauts-de-Seine from 1986 to 2017, mayor of Antony from 1983 to 2002 and elected departmental councilor in 2004. He chaired the department since 2007. He was also a member - word of the RPR from 1999 to 2001 and general secretary of the UMP from 2007 to 2008 and occupied several governmental functions. He was married, he had four children.

Emotional reactions

On Twitter, reactions fell, like that of the President of the Senate, Gérard Larcher.

Great sadness to learn of the death of Patrick Devedjian. Courageous man and totally devoted to his city of Antony and Hauts-de-Seime. Condolences to his family and his teams.

- Gérard Larcher (@gerard_larcher) March 29, 2020

Valérie Pécresse, who was a minister by his side in the Sarkozy government, also expressed his emotion.

Patrick Devedjian was an exceptional personality through his personality, his convictions and his immense culture. It left its mark on both its Hauts-de-Seine department and the country. Upset I think of Sophie, his wife & his sons. https://t.co/of1HOR9wLW

- Valérie Pécresse (@vpecresse) March 29, 2020

Just like the former Prime Minister, Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

Patrick Devedjian, convictions, culture, empathy, character, talent, ... a Minister who has honored the office. One of the best. Profound Sadness. Condolences to his wife and family.

- Jean-Pierre Raffarin (@jpraffarin) March 29, 2020

Even outside his political camp, several personalities pay tribute to him, like the former Socialist Prime Minister, Manuel Valls.

Another very sad news ... I liked Patrick Devedjian ... his frank talk, his humor, his local roots. He was affectionate and of great culture. To his family and loved ones, my condolences. https://t.co/jBWkxwVud7

- Manuel Valls (@manuelvalls) March 29, 2020
  • Coronavirus
  • Covid 19
  • Paris
  • Minister
  • Disappearance
  • Nicolas Sarkozy
  • Patrick devedjian