Europa-enthusiast Maas hails Giscard d'Estaing as an exceptional European figure
Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, the former President of France and Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet's fellow prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, has passed away at the age of 94. He died on Wednesday due to the consequences of a Covid-19 infection.
The French government has declared a national day of mourning for Giscard d'Estaing, which will take place on Tuesday, April 6. The funeral service will be held at the historic Basilica of Saint-Urbain in Auxerre, France. Cardinal Ouellet will lead the service as the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
Giscard d'Estaing served as President of France from 1974 to 1981 and significantly contributed to the German-French friendship. His cooperation with former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt exemplified a key political partnership that shaped bilateral relations between France and Germany.
The friendship between Giscard d'Estaing and Schmidt was particularly influential in shaping the German-French relationship. This friendship is remembered as a significant factor in the development of the strong bond between the two nations.
The funeral will be attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The French and German flags will be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral as a sign of respect.
Heiko Maas, the Foreign Minister of Germany, paid tribute to Giscard d'Estaing on Thursday morning via a Twitter post. Maas described him as a "great European" and a "great Frenchman" who will be missed.
Valéry Giscard d'Estaing's funeral will take place next Tuesday, April 6, in Auxerre, France. The service at the Basilica of Saint-Urbain will honour the life and legacy of a man who rendered immense service to the German-French friendship.
