France on Thursday, March 26, bid farewell to former prime minister Lionel Jospin, with President Emmanuel Macron leading a national tribute to the influential left-wing statesman credited with major welfare reforms. Jospin, who introduced the 35-hour work week and civil partnerships for gay couples when he was head of government from 1997 to 2002, died on Sunday aged 88.
The ceremony took place at the historic Les Invalides national monument, the resting place of Napoléon Bonaparte. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu was in attendance, along with members of the government, lawmakers and other high-profile guests.
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Members of the Republican Guard carried the casket draped in a French flag into the courtyard to the beat of a drum before Macron read a eulogy, saying Jospin fought for justice and freedom. "He helped bring France into the new century," Macron said. "Lionel Jospin modernized the nation's economic, social and democratic life in an unprecedented manner."
