France bids farewell to ex-PM Jospin who 'modernised' nation

France held a national funeral Thursday for former Prime Minister Lionel Jospin, with President Emmanuel Macron presiding over tributes to the left-wing statesman who died Sunday at age 88. Jospin served as head of government from 1997 to 2002, a tenure marked by sweeping social reforms including the introduction of the 35-hour work week and the legalization of civil partnerships for same-sex couples. His policies reshaped French labor law and social protections during a period of economic growth, cementing his legacy as a modernizing force in French politics despite a controversial 2002 presidential run that saw him eliminated in the first round.