In Memoriam: Marie-Josée Roig, Former Mayor of Avignon and Chirac Ally

Marie-Josée Roig, the former mayor of Avignon and a close ally of Jacques Chirac, passed away at the age of 86. Her passing has been met with heartfelt tributes from prominent figures across the French political spectrum.

A Trailblazing Woman in Politics

Born in Perpignan, Roig began her political career as a French literature professor. She was elected mayor of Avignon in 1995, a position she held for three terms until 2014. During her tenure, Roig transformed Avignon, spearheading initiatives such as securing its status as the European Capital of Culture in 2000. She was also instrumental in the city’s development and cultural renaissance.

Roig’s dedication to public service extended beyond local politics. She served as a member of the National Assembly, representing the Vaucluse department under the RPR and later UMP party labels. Additionally, she held ministerial positions in the governments of Jean-Pierre Raffarin, serving as Minister of Family and Childhood and Minister Delegate for the Interior.

Tributes from Political Allies

Cécile Helle, the current mayor of Avignon, hailed Roig’s unwavering commitment to her political beliefs and her ability to connect with voters despite being a woman in politics during an era when such representation was less common.

Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France Regional Council, lauded Roig’s unwavering support for Chirac and her genuine empathy for others.

Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, described Roig as the embodiment of Avignon, having dedicated her life to its development and well-being.

A Legacy of Service and Controversy

While Roig’s contributions to Avignon and French politics are widely acknowledged, her tenure was not without controversy. She was accused of providing a fictitious job to her son, which contributed to her decision to step down as mayor in 2014.

Despite the challenges, Roig’s legacy as a trailblazing woman in politics, a dedicated public servant, and a strong advocate for her city remains firmly intact.

Marie-Josée Roig will be remembered as a passionate and determined figure who left an indelible mark on the political and cultural landscape of Avignon and beyond.