Mr. Orbán wrote, “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death today of Jacques Chirac, one of the most outstanding figures in modern French politics”. The Prime Minister recalled the “uplifting moment” in 1998, when, during the formation of his first government, President Chirac invited him to visit Paris, where he was able to become personally acquainted with “his committed work for France, and his devotion to the French nation”.
In his letter of condolence Mr. Orbán continued: “For me it was both an honour and a source of encouragement that one of Europe’s great master builders and I were serving our countries in parallel with each other. It is my firm belief that his legacy not only inspires leading politicians of my generation, but will also be an example for future generations to follow”.