Francis Chouat, a former mayor of Evry and former deputy of Essonne, passed away on July 27th at the age of 75. The current mayor of the city, Stéphane Beaudet, announced his death, stating that Chouat had lost his battle with cancer. Chouat had announced his illness in April 2023. He had a long political career, serving as mayor of Evry in 2012 after Manuel Valls moved on to become the Minister of the Interior. Chouat was re-elected in 2014 and later became a deputy in November 2018, succeeding Valls. He then joined La République en marche (now renamed Renaissance) and served as a deputy for the party.
Throughout his political career, Chouat was a member of various political parties, including the Socialist Party (PS) and the French Communist Party (PCF). He briefly joined the PS before switching to the PCF in 1972, only to return to the PS in 1995. Chouat did not run for re-election in the 2022 legislative elections, but remained a municipal councilor in Evry-Courcouronnes. His passing was deeply felt by the residents of Evry-Courcouronnes and the first district of Essonne, as well as by his political colleagues. Manuel Valls, in a tribute on Facebook, praised Chouat’s political experience, left-wing values, and dedication to serving the public.
Francis Chouat was known as a prominent figure in left-wing politics, representing a universalist and principled approach. He was closely associated with the city of Evry, where he served as mayor. His death was mourned by political figures across the spectrum, with Valérie Pécresse, the president of the Île-de-France region, offering her condolences. Chouat’s legacy as a dedicated public servant and advocate for progressive ideals will live on, particularly in the community of Evry, where he made a lasting impact.
Chouat’s passing marks the end of an era in Essonne politics, as he leaves behind a legacy of principled leadership and commitment to public service. His diverse political affiliations, ranging from the PCF to the PS, reflected his evolving political beliefs and dedication to advancing progressive causes. His tenure as mayor of Evry and later as a deputy was marked by his unwavering commitment to his constituents and his deep-rooted values of social justice and republicanism. Chouat’s contributions to the political landscape of Essonne and beyond will be remembered for years to come.
As a respected member of the political community, Francis Chouat’s impact extended far beyond Evry and Essonne. His devotion to representing the interests of his constituents and upholding progressive values earned him admiration from colleagues and residents alike. His passing represents a loss not only for the community of Evry-Courcouronnes, but for the broader political landscape of France. Chouat’s legacy as a dedicated public servant and tireless advocate for social justice will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and activists.
