In a striking and tragic coincidence, two prominent political figures in France and Russia died by apparent suicide on the same day, sparking shockwaves across both nations’ political establishments.
France: Olivier Marle Found Dead
Olivier Marle, a deputy in France’s National Assembly and member of the center-right Republicans (Les Républicains) party, was found dead at his home in Anet, Eure-et-Loir department, on July 7. According to Le Monde and AFP, Marle was discovered hanging on the second floor of his residence.
Public prosecutor Frédéric Chevalier confirmed that the preliminary cause of death was suicide by hanging, but an investigation has been launched to confirm the exact circumstances.
Marle, 54, was a significant figure in French politics and had served as leader of the Republicans’ parliamentary group from 2022 to 2024. He was known as a vocal critic of President Emmanuel Macron and had built a reputation for strongly defending conservative principles.
President Macron released an official statement describing Marle as “a politician of conviction” and said the news of his death “has plunged the Assembly into mourning.” Despite their political differences, Macron noted that he respected Marle’s dedication and service to the country. The National Assembly observed a moment of silence in his memory on Monday.
Russia: Roman Starovoit Dies in Moscow Region
On the same day, former Russian Minister of Transport and ex-governor of Kursk Oblast Roman Starovoit, 53, was found dead in his car in Malevich Park near Odintsovo, Moscow region.
According to the Russian Investigative Committee, Starovoit’s body was discovered inside a Tesla vehicle with a gunshot wound, and a pistol was found nearby. Authorities have classified the case as a likely suicide.
Starovoit had been officially dismissed from his ministerial position on July 7, the same day his body was found, by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In addition to this incident, just days earlier — on July 4 — 62-year-old Andrei Badalov, vice president of Transneft, was found dead in Moscow after reportedly falling from a window. That case was also ruled a suicide by Russian investigators.
Both deaths have drawn significant public attention and concern. In France, Marle’s passing triggered tributes across the political spectrum, with lawmakers expressing sorrow over the loss of a prominent parliamentary voice.
In Russia, Starovoit’s sudden death has fueled speculation and further discussion about pressures facing high-ranking officials, especially in the context of ongoing political reshuffles and internal tensions.
