Born in Paris (1946)

Former Prime Minister

Graduate of the Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) and the National School of Public Administration (ENA)

Agrégation in French language and literature

Former Maître des requêtes at the Conseil d’Etat

Became Deputy for Seine-Maritime in 1978, continually re-elected ever since

Budget Minister (1981 - 1983)

Minister of Industry and Research (1983 - 1984)

Prime Minister (1984 -1986)

Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry (2000 - 2002)

President of the National Assembly (1988 – 1992 / 2000 – 2002)

Minister of Foreign Affairs

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The author of six books, he is a specialist in economic and financial issues, European affairs, international relations as well as paintings and sculpture.
Most recent book: Le Cabinet des Douze – Regards sur des tableaux qui font la France, Editions Gallimard (2010), winner of the Prix Montaigne award.