Paradox of Balladur's legacy: 'Highly popular' Gaullist elite deemed 'too far away from the people'

French President Emmanuel Macron and other political figures have paid tribute to former Prime Minister Edouard Balladur following his death at 97. A key figure of the centre-right, Balladur is remembered for his role in pioneering political cohabitation and leading significant state privatizations during the 1990s, though his legacy is also marked by a failed presidential bid and legal controversies.