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Kristin LagardMinister of Finance of France
Country:
 France |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Christine Lagarde was born in Paris in 1956 to a family of academics. At the age of 17, she received a scholarship from the American Field Service and spent a year in the United States. Upon her return to France, she pursued a diverse range of studies at university, including economics, political science, English literature, and law.
Legal Career
In 1991, Lagarde became the managing partner of the Paris office of the American law firm Baker & McKenzie. Four years later, she joined the firm's executive committee in Chicago, where she was the only woman. In 1999, she became its first female chairman.
Political Ascension
In 2005, Lagarde was appointed Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade by Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin. Following the presidential election, she became Minister of Agriculture. After a government reshuffle in June, she was named Minister of Finance. Lagarde was the first woman to hold this position in French history.
Personal Life
Lagarde is the mother of two sons who live in Paris with her husband. She is a former national runner-up in synchronized swimming, enjoys skiing, and plays tennis.
