Jean-Louis Debré, Former Interior Minister and Constitutional Council President, Dies at 80

The lifelong ally of Jacques Chirac and significant figure in French politics leaves a legacy of institutional modernization and political fidelity.

Jean-Louis Debré passed away on the night of March 3 to March 4, 2025, at the age of 80, as confirmed by his family and media sources.
A close confidant of Jacques Chirac, Debré held key political roles, including Minister of the Interior, President of the National Assembly, and President of the Constitutional Council.
His tenure as Interior Minister (1995-1997) was marked by handling terrorist threats and controversial immigration policies, including the 1996 expulsion of undocumented immigrants from Saint-Bernard Church.
As President of the Constitutional Council (2007-2016), he modernized the institution and remained outspoken, even critiquing Nicolas Sarkozy's leadership style.
Debré was also a prolific author, playwright, and media commentator, known for his wit and dedication to French republican values.