Death of Jean-Pierre Elkabbach: politicians, whom he often mistreated, pay tribute to him

Since the announcement of his death this Tuesday evening, October 3, the entire journalistic and political community has expressed their sadness. Jean-Pierre Elkabbach, renowned columnist and journalist, died at the age of 86. Tributes from personalities from all walks of life are pouring in. But those of the political class should be particularly highlighted. It is in fact to her that the journalist addressed himself throughout his career as a journalist, leaving, in the process, striking sequences which have made his reputation over the years. The tenacious interviewer seems to have left an indelible mark on those who worked closely with him during his work. On the air or on social networks, many have had a thought for him. Starting withformer presidents. On X (formerly Twitter), Nicolas Sarkozy wrote: “Sadness to see a great journalist leave this evening. Jean-Pierre Elkabbach left his mark on an entire generation. I am part of it, for having hoped so much, then a young chosen one, to be his guest at the microphone of Europe 1 until he gave me my chance. I will never forget it.”

Pugnacity and rigor to describe Jean-Pierre Elkabbach

“A page in our political and media history turns with the disappearance of Jean-Pierre Elkabbach. It was a voice that no one could silence. It was a passion that no event could quench. It was a pugnacity that no interlocutor could exhaust.”, wrote François Hollande. Apart from the two heads of state, many other political figures had a word for the journalist. The Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire mentioned “an outstanding observer of our national political life” And “a man who believed all his life in the power of public commitment.” Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, declared on Europe 1: “I had the chance to meet him as soon as I was elected in 2001 as mayor of Paris. Ihe was curious, he was interested in what could lead me to politics. I was lucky enough to be interviewed by him several times. It was always demanding. To be interviewed by Jean-Pierre Elkabbach, it was better to be in good shape, he was not a lecturer, he was really someone who pushed you to your limits but who at the same time had a taste for others.”

All political sides pay tribute to him

Ultimately, it was personalities from all sides who took the time to evoke their memories of Jean-Pierre Elkabbach. From Fabien Roussel, national secretary of the French Communist Party who wrote on his X account: “A traveling companion of the Fifth Republic, Jean-Pierre Elkabbach will have marked the media history of our country. His legendary exchanges with Georges Marchais will remain engraved. I, in turn, appreciated his interviews, which were always respectful” has Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally who estimated: “Jean-Pierre Elkabbach, more than half a century of political journalism, and memorable interviews” passing, finally, by Rachida Dati, LR mayor of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, who remembered: “My first interview was with Jean-Pierre Elkabbach! As much a test as a consecration. A great radio voice who will be missed.”