Jean-Claude Gaudin, the mayor who dedicated his life to the city

He is a child from Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône) who has become an emblematic figure. For 25 years, Jean-Claude Gaudin reigned over his city. An important personality in the minds of the people of Marseille, they are moved by his disappearance. “A strong personality with a Marseille accent who defended his city a lot”, describes a resident. Political animal, cheeky, the former mayor of Marseille was never short of a good word. In 50 years of political career, he has held every mandate. Deputy, senator, minister, his greatest ambition has always been his city. “The one who matters most is the mayor”he declared.

In 1995, he took on the role of mayor of Marseille and remained at the head of the Marseille city for 25 years. Among his great pride, the Mucem and having made Marseille the European capital of culture. But a tragedy haunts the end of his mandate: the collapse of two buildings in November 2018, which cost the lives of 8 people. Some of the Marseillais hold him responsible. In 2020, he must cede his scarf to the left. 2 years later, he was convicted of embezzlement of public funds through negligence. Monday May 20, the political class paid tribute to him, like the head of state, but also the current socialist mayor of Marseille. Jean-Claude Gaudin passed away at the age of 84.