Paradox of Balladur's legacy: 'Highly popular' innovative Gaullist gradually became irrelevant

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.