Death of Marie-Josée Roig: former Chiraquian minister and mayor of Avignon

Marie-Josée Roig, former mayor of Avignon and former minister under Jacques Chirac, died at the age of 86, we learned on Wednesday August 7, 2024. Originally from Perpignan, she was a notable political figure, having led the city of Avignon for more than 18 years, from 1995 to 2014. A former literature professor, she managed to establish herself in the political landscape at a time when women were still little present in this field.

Cécile Helle, the current socialist mayor of Avignon, praised her predecessor, recognizing her commitment and her ability to uphold her convictions throughout her political career. Valérie Pécresse, president of the Ile-de-France Regional Council, also paid tribute to Marie-Josée Roig on social networks, highlighting her culture and her natural empathy. Renaud Muselier, president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, also expressed his admiration for this woman of character, who loved and transformed Avignon so much.

Beyond her municipal career, Marie-Josée Roig was elected deputy on several occasions and held ministerial positions under the government of Jean-Pierre Raffarin. She was notably Minister of Families and Children in 2004, then Minister Delegate for the Interior.

However, his career has not been free of controversy, including a controversy regarding a fictitious job that his son allegedly benefited from. This episode forced her to leave the political scene, allowing Avignon to shift to the left with the election of Cécile Helle.

Her disappearance leaves a void for many political figures, including Michel Bissière, former deputy and current opposition elected official at Avignon town hall, who declared that the city would miss her. Marie-Josée Roig had been ill for several months before her death.