INFO EUROPE 1
Jacques Chirac died Thursday at the age of 86 years. Thursday night, hundreds of French went to the Elysee to pay tribute to the former President of the Republic. While the tributes of political and public figures follow one another, a popular tribute Sunday noon to the Invalides is in preparation.
According to our information, a popular tribute, Sunday midday to the Invalides, is in preparation, according to the will of the Chirac family. It is possible that the coffin of the former president is exposed, according to a wish of the family. The organization of this tribute will be stopped during the day.
Mass at the Saint Sulpice Church
He will intervene then before the official religious homage which will take place in Saint Sulpice Church in Paris Monday noon, as Emmanuel Macron announced last night. This Mass will be presided by Michel Aupetit, the Archbishop of Paris.
Emmanuel Macron and several foreign heads of state should be present. "The whole world arrives in Paris" says a close adviser to Emmanuel Macron. Jacques Chirac personally knew many African heads of state, but also Angela Merkel, or Vladimir Putin.
There is uncertainty about whether or not a national tribute to the Invalides will be held. The family of the former President of the Republic seems to want a more private ceremony, or may be a popular tribute that could take place in the weekend. We will know more in the next hours.
A political agenda upset
Monday will also be a day of national mourning. Administrations will not close, but flags will be at half mast on all public buildings. A moment of recollection is planned at 15h in the administrations and public services. Finally, teachers are invited to devote a course in this day of Monday in memory of Jacques Chirac.
Emmanuel Macron canceled yesterday his debate on pensions in Rodez, which will be postponed. The highly anticipated debate on immigration to the National Assembly, scheduled for Monday afternoon, is also postponed. The Assembly will also be postponed and will decide on Tuesday the date of a tribute to Jacques Chirac.
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