Besancon (AFP)

Paulette Guinchard, former Secretary of State for the Elderly, on the initiative in particular of the Personalized Autonomy Allowance (APA), died at the age of 71 after having resorted to assisted suicide. we learned Thursday from corroborating sources.

According to France 3 Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Ms. Guinchard, who was ill, died in Switzerland.

"Paulette was my friend. She was + our + Paulette as the bond forged between her and all those who had the chance to meet her was strong. Today, the sorrow is immense", greeted the president of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, Marie-Guite Dufay (PS).

She praised "the admirable political career of Ms. Guinchard", "accessible, modest and natural with her outspokenness".

"Until the end she fought the disease with the weapons that we know her, courage, lucidity and determination", Marie-Guite Dufay underlined.

"His ultimate decision, assisted suicide, which the law of our country does not allow, still invites us to reflect and move forward to better understand the end of life in all dignity, in all conscience and in complete freedom. life! ”she added.

"We love you Paulette", also wrote in a statement the deputy LREM of Doubs Eric Alauzet.

"With this final act of freedom, you have chosen the only possible path for you, that of dignity".

"Paulette Guinchard is no more," also wrote on Twitter the former socialist presidential candidate Benoît Hamon.

"This woman of incredible benevolence is at the origin of the creation of the APA and has dedicated her political commitment to improving the lives of the elderly and the outlook on old age. She will be missed. Sincere thoughts for all of her."

Former member (PS) of Doubs, Ms. Guinchard is at the origin of the law setting up the APA in 2001, which provides financial assistance to the elderly.

She then became Secretary of State for the Elderly under the government of Lionel Jospin.

Daughter of farmers from Doubs, psychiatric nurse, Paulette Guinchard was for a long time municipal councilor of Besançon, and regional councilor of Franche-Comté.

© 2021 AFP