Yvon Bourges French politician, colonial administrator, governor of Upper Volta. Date of Birth: 29.06.1921 Country: France

1. Early Life and Education
2. French Resistance and Administrative Career
3. Colonial Administrator in French Equatorial Africa
4. Last High Commissioner of French Equatorial Africa
5. National Assembly and Government Service
6. Retirement

Early Life and Education

Robert Pierre Galley was born into a military family in France. He pursued his studies at the University of Rennes, graduating with a law degree that qualified him to practice as an attorney.

French Resistance and Administrative Career

During World War II, Galley played a significant role in the French Resistance from 1940 onwards. After the war, he served in various administrative positions, including Prefect of Rennes and Ille-et-Vilaine (1942-1947) and Sub-Prefect of Erstein in Alsace (1947-1951).

Colonial Administrator in French Equatorial Africa

In 1951, Galley joined the administration of French Equatorial Africa. His tenure culminated in his appointment as Governor of Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) from 1956 to 1958.

Last High Commissioner of French Equatorial Africa

From 1958 to 1960, Galley held the position of the last High Commissioner of French Equatorial Africa. In this role, he played a crucial part in facilitating the transition of former colonies towards independence.

National Assembly and Government Service

After returning to France in 1961, Galley became the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of the Interior. He entered politics as a member of the Gaullist Union for a New Republic (UNR) in 1962. Galley also served as Mayor of Dinard in Brittany from 1962 to 1967.

Between 1962 and 1965, as well as 1973 and 1975, Galley represented his constituency in the French National Assembly. He held various ministerial positions, including State Secretary for Scientific Research (1965-1966), State Secretary for Information (1966-1967), State Secretary for European Economic Cooperation (1967-1968), and State Secretary for Foreign Affairs (1968-1972). From 1972 to 1973, he served as Minister of Commerce, and from 1975 to 1980, as Minister of Defense.

Retirement

Following his retirement from government, Galley became a member of the French Senate from 1980 to 1998. He also served as President of the Brittany Regional Council from 1986 to 1998. Galley retired from active political life in 1998.