Jean-Claude Gaudin, former mayor of the Marseille city, died at 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, Monday May 20. In 50 years of political life, he has held almost all positions, 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.