the whirlwind (and surprise) visit of the Prime Minister (Updated)
A member of his government was announced: the delegate minister Jean-Louis Thiériot. But not the Prime Minister. However, Michel Barnier did come this morning, for a quick (and secret) visit, at 10 a.m., to Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, on the occasion of the 54th anniversary of the death of Charles de Gaulle. A member of the Republicans, this Gaullist has not come to Colombey since 2021.
A handshake exchanged with Pascal Babouot, the mayor of Colombey, met at the town hall where the Prime Minister stayed for 45 minutes, then he left Haute-Marne.
After the religious service in the church, the official ceremony at the cemetery will begin at 11:30 a.m.
The last time a Prime Minister officially came to Colombey on November 9 was in 2017 (Edouard Philippe). And the President of the Republic, in 2020.
Anne Hidalgo (Paris) and Eric Piolle (Grenoble), once again present in Colombey as Companion Cities of the Liberation. (Photo F. Ausserre).The loyal public there. (Photo C. Clément).During the laying of wreaths at the grave of General de Gaulle. (Photo C. Clément).Then head to the Croix de Lorraine esplanade. (Photo C. Clément).Jean-Louis Thiériot, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Defense, came to preside over the ceremony at the foot of the Cross of Lorraine. (Photo F. Ausserre).The passage of a Mirage above the Cross. (Photo C. Clément).The Cities associated with the Order of the Liberation make the trip every year. (Photo C. Clément).Mathieu Geagea's conference was a full house. (Photo L. Fontaine).The Mirage IV recently installed to welcome visitors. (Photo C. Clément).