Rocard, Michel

(1930- )

   political figure

   Born in Courbevoie, Michel Rocard served as inspector of finances (1958) and participated in the creation of the parti socialiste unifié (Psu), which he directed from 1967 to 1974. He was a participant in the protests of May 1968 and, in 1969, was a candidate in the presidential election. A deputy for Yve-lines (1969-93), he joined the socialist party in 1974 and became mayor of Conflans-Sainte-Hon-orine (1977-94). After the left's rise to power in 1981, he served as minister of state charged with the Plan for Territorial Development (1981-83), then as minister of agriculture (1983-85). Prime Minister from 1988 to 1991, he reestablished peace in New Caledonia (1988) and put through unified social reform policies (Revenue minimum d'insertion; Contribution sociale généralisée) and various economic reforms as well. Rocard became first secretary of the socialist Party after the defeat of the Left in the legislative elections of 1993, but the day after the defeat of the list that he led in the elections for the parliament of the European union, he had to resign his post.