Overview
- The 74-year-old former prime minister was transferred on Dec. 16 from intensive care to the infectiology ward at the Centre Hospitalier de Pau, according to the municipality.
- Doctors admitted him for a very severe influenza to prevent potential respiratory complications involving the bronchi and lungs, his first deputy said.
- City officials report a marked improvement in his condition, though he remains under medical surveillance and no discharge date has been set.
- Jean-Louis Peres is serving in his stead, and Bayrou has missed this week's municipal and community council meetings.
- His absence coincides with farmer demonstrations in Béarn over nodular dermatitis and with a nationwide surge in seasonal influenza.