The former president of France, Valery Giscard d’Estaing has died at his family home in the Loire.
Giscard was a leading advocate of European integration who led his country into a new modern era.
He died after seeking medical attention several times in recent months for heart related problems.
“His state of health had worsened and he died as a consequence of Covid-19,” the family reported in a statement sent to AFP, adding that his funeral would be strictly private, according to his wishes.
President Emmanuel Macron has taken to twitter to pay tribute to his predecessor saying that Giscard’s seven-year term had “transformed France.”
Macron described Giscard as “a servant of the state, a politician of progress and freedom”.
He said, “His death has plunged the French nation into mourning”.
