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Valery d'EstaingFrench statesman and political figure
Date of Birth: 02.02.1926
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Political Career
- President of France
- Economic Challenges and Political Decline
- Post-Presidency
- Special Convention on European Constitution
- Personal Life and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was born into an affluent aristocratic family in Koblenz, Germany, on February 2, 1926. His father, Edmond, was a financial inspector who served in the French army during World War I. His mother, May Bardoux, was the niece of François Georges-Picot and the great-granddaughter of Agénor Bardoux.
Giscard d'Estaing excelled academically. At the age of 15, he earned his baccalauréat, a secondary school diploma. He subsequently passed the entrance exams for the prestigious École Polytechnique and the École Nationale d'Administration (ENA).
Political Career
Minister of FinanceGiscard d'Estaing's political career began after graduating from ENA. He served as Minister of Finance under President Georges Pompidou from 1969 to 1974 and played a key role in developing the Pompidou-Giscard Law.
President of France
Following Pompidou's death in 1974, Giscard d'Estaing was elected President of France. During his single seven-year term, he initiated ambitious state projects, including the construction of the TGV high-speed rail network and nuclear power plants. He also won the Nansen Refugee Award in 1979.
Giscard d'Estaing, unlike his predecessors, pursued a more moderate foreign policy. He cautiously rejoined NATO's military structures and strengthened Soviet-French relations, maintaining a close personal relationship with Leonid Brezhnev.
Economic Challenges and Political Decline
In the latter part of his presidency, France faced a severe economic crisis that ended its period of economic growth. Giscard d'Estaing's government imposed austerity measures, sparking criticism and weakening his support base.
Post-Presidency
Member of the French Academy and Constitutional CouncilAfter losing his bid for re-election in 1981 to François Mitterrand, Giscard d'Estaing remained active in public life. He was elected to the French Academy in 2003 and served on the Constitutional Council of France from 2004 until his death.
Special Convention on European Constitution
In 2001, Giscard d'Estaing chaired a special convention that drafted the European Constitution. He was also a vocal opponent of Turkey's accession to the European Union.
Personal Life and Legacy
Giscard d'Estaing was married and had four children. His eldest son, Louis, is a politician who served as Vice-President of the National Assembly of France.
Despite his economic challenges, Giscard d'Estaing is often regarded as a successful president who contributed to France's modernization. He is fondly remembered as "l'Ex" (The Ex-President) and holds records for the longest period spent as an ex-president and for reaching the oldest age among former heads of state.
Giscard d'Estaing passed away on December 2, 2020, at the age of 94, from complications of COVID-19. He left behind a legacy as a pragmatic and forward-thinking leader who played a significant role in French and European history.
