France: abroad, Jacques Chirac "has marked the consciences"

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Jacques Chirac had received Saad Hariri in 2007 at the Élysée. The former President of the Republic was a close friend of the family. PATRICK KOVARIK / AFP

The former French head of state died on Thursday morning at the age of 86 " among his family. Peacefully, "said Mr. Salat-Baroux, husband of the couple's daughter, Claude Chirac. But beyond the French borders, Jacques Chirac was a respected man. Abroad, reactions have multiplied since the announcement of his death.

" One of the greatest men in history, " responded in a statement Saad Hariri, the Lebanese Prime Minister. He paid tribute to the former President of the French Republic, whom he met several times.

" The Lebanese and the Arabs are feeling pain today after the loss of a man who has deeply marked their conscience for many years ." Jacques Chirac was a close friend of the Hariri family.

Europe welcomes " a great leader "

Following the death of the former President of the French Republic, in Europe, the reactions multiplied. German Chancellor Angela Merkel greeted with deep sadness " a great partner and friend, " according to a tweet from the German government spokesman.

" He was for us, Germans, and for me personally, a great partner and a friend, " she added after the death of the former French president, whom she had in particular met during her first two years at home. Chancery, from 2005 to 2007.

For his part, former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (1998-2005) praised a former head of state " became a friend " over their years of leadership. "He was a politician of experience, a European aware of history, a charming person ," said the former Chancellor.

Jacques Chirac invited Gerhard Schröder, " representative of Germany ", to the commemorations marking in 2004 the 60th anniversary of the Allied landing on the beaches of Normandy, France.

In number of Gobierno of España, traslado nuestras condolencias to the familia of Jacques Chirac are todo el pueblo francés. Como primer ministro, alkalde of Paris and presidente of República Francesa, marched a líder that marcó política europea. pic.twitter.com/Q8j0Ms0l8K

" A leader who has marked European politics, " paid tribute on Twitter to the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez.

Luxembourger Jean-Claude Juncker, considers that " today, Europe loses one of its leading figures, France a great statesman and I a faithful friend ".

Jacques Chirac was a formidable political leader who shaped the destiny of his nation in a career that spanned four decades. His loss will be felt throughout France, across the generations.

All my condolences today to his family, his family and the French people.

" A formidable leader who shaped the destiny of France, " greeted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.