Debré, Michel

(1912-1996)

   political figure

   The first prime minister of the fifth republic, Michel Debré, the son of a noted physician, was born in Montlouis-sur-Loire. In his early career, he played an active role in the Resistance, was cofounder of the École nationale d'administration, and was a member of the Council of the Republic (1948-58). In that capacity, he was noted for his many stands against the successive governments of the fourth republic and for his ardent defense of a French Algeria. During the events of May 1968, he helped in the recalling to public service of General charles de gaulle. Named minister of justice (June 1958), he assisted in the drafting of the constitution of the Fifth Republic. Appointed prime minister (June 1959), he put through the law linking private and state education (Debré Law, 1959). Replaced by georges pompidou (April 1962), he served as a deputy (1963-66, 1967-68, 1973-88), was minister of the economy and finances (1966-68), foreign affairs (1968-69), then defense (1969-73). His unwavering support of Gaullism led him to oppose the policies of valéry Giscard d'estaing, particularly in European affairs, as well as distancing him from the Rassemblement pour la République, and to run for president in 1981 (1.66 percent of the vote) against jacques chirac. Among his writings are Refaire la France (1944), La Mort de l'état républican (1947), Ces princes qui nous gouvernent (1957), Lettre ouverte aux Français sur la reconquête de la France (1980), and three volumes of Mémoires (1948-88). Debré was elected to the Académie Française in 1988.