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Politics: death of Jean-Claude Gaudin, emblematic former mayor of the city
In Marseille, the town hall flags are at half-mast on Monday, May 20, after the announcement by Jean-Claude Gaudin, the former mayor of the city. He died at the age of 84.
(franceinfo)
In Marseille, the town hall flags are at half-mast on Monday, May 20, after the announcement by Jean-Claude Gaudin, the former mayor of the city. He died at the age of 84.
For 25 years, Jean-Claude Gaudin was the face of Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône). The baron of the Phocaean city is still essential for many residents. “I remember that he was a true Marseillais, he always did his best for the city of Marseille”, comments a passerby. In 50 years of political life, he has held almost every position, but placed that of mayor above all else. He achieved it in 1995.
In four terms, he modernized the city. His greatest pride remains the Museum of Mediterranean Civilizations, and having made Marseille the European Capital of Culture. The Gaudin era was also marked by a tragedy, that of the collapse of two dilapidated buildings in rue d’Aubagne, in 2018. Marseillais then named him responsible, the last major injury in his political life. In 2020, he returned the mayor’s sash to the left. On the morning of Monday, May 20, the entire political class, from all sides, paid tribute to him.
