Anne-Marie Comparini, Former Rhône-Alpes President and Centrist Politician, Dies at 77

The trailblazing leader, known for her integrity and opposition to extremism, passed away in Lyon after a distinguished political career.

Anne-Marie Comparini, former president of the Rhône-Alpes region and close ally of François Bayrou, died on January 5, 2025, at the age of 77 in Lyon.
She served as president of the Rhône-Alpes region from 1999 to 2004, becoming the first woman to hold the position, and was known for her firm stance against the far-right Front National.
Her political career included roles as an assistant to former Prime Minister Raymond Barre, a deputy in Lyon's city government, and a member of the French National Assembly representing the Rhône from 2002 to 2007.
Comparini's presidency of Rhône-Alpes began after she secured support from UDF and leftist council members, following controversy over her predecessor's alliance with the far-right in 1998.
She retired from active politics in 2007 but remained a supporter of centrist causes, endorsing Emmanuel Macron's re-election campaign in 2022.