Passing of Jean Tiberi, a Key Figure of Parisian Right-Wing Politics

It is with deep sadness that the mayor of Paris’s 5th arrondissement, Florence Berthout, announced on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the death of Jean Tiberi at the age of 90. “I have learned with great sorrow of the passing of Jean Tiberi, who served as the committed mayor of the 5th arrondissement for four terms. My sincerest condolences go out to his wife and children,” she wrote on social media.

A Career Marked by Local Roots and Gaullist Values

Former mayor of Paris from 1995 to 2001, Jean Tiberi was the last right-wing mayor of the capital before Bertrand Delanoë’s arrival. He succeeded Jacques Chirac, who left the mayoralty to become President of the Republic. Beyond his tenure at the helm of the city, Tiberi was above all a pivotal figure in local politics, having led the 5th arrondissement—the historic heart of Paris—for nearly 25 years, from 1983 to 1995 and again from 2001 to 2014.

A trained jurist, Jean Tiberi was known for his strong roots in the Parisian political landscape, combining close ties with his constituents and loyalty to Gaullist principles. His long political career also included multiple terms as a deputy in the National Assembly, totaling over two decades of parliamentary presence.

A Political Life of Achievements and Controversies

While his career was marked by notable achievements in managing the capital, particularly in urban planning and local development, it was also marred by controversies, including a case of electoral irregularities that led to a conviction in 2009. Despite this, Jean Tiberi remained a respected and influential figure in Parisian politics.

Beyond the controversies, those who knew him highlight his dedication to Paris, his openness to dialogue, and his lasting impact on the 5th arrondissement. His death marks the end of an era for the Parisian right, which loses one of its last pillars.

Jean Tiberi leaves behind a grieving family and a city paying tribute. The memory of this complex but committed politician will continue to fuel discussions about Paris’s political history.