Édith Cresson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Édith Cresson
Cresson in 1997
Prime Minister of France
In office 15 May 1991 – 2 April 1992
President	François Mitterrand
Preceded by	Michel Rocard
Succeeded by	Pierre Bérégovoy
European Commissioner for Research, Science and Technology
In office 23 January 1995 – 12 September 1999
President	Jacques Santer Manuel Marín (Acting)
Preceded by	Antonio Ruberti
Succeeded by	Philippe Busquin
Mayor of Châtellerault
In office 13 March 1983 – 25 May 1997
Preceded by	Geneviève Abelin [fr]
Succeeded by	Joël Tondusson
Member of the National Assembly for Vienne
In office 2 April 1986 – 28 July 1988
In office 2 July 1981 – 23 July 1981
Member of the European Parliament for France
In office 17 July 1979 – 16 June 1981
Mayor of Thuré
In office 20 March 1977 – 13 March 1983
Preceded by	Louis Tour Girard
Succeeded by	Claude Marquois
Personal details
Born	Édith Jeanne Thérèse Campion (1934-01-27) 27 January 1934 (age 91) Boulogne-Billancourt, France
Political party	PS (1971–present)
Other political affiliations	CIR (1965–1971)
Spouses	Jacques Cresson [fr] ​ ​ (m. 1959; died 2001)​
Children	2
Relatives	Fortuné Cresson [fr] (father-in-law)
Alma mater	HEC Jeunes Filles
Occupation	Economist • politician

Édith Jeanne Thérèse Cresson (born 27 January 1934) is a French politician. She was a member of the Socialist Party. She made history by becoming the first woman Prime Minister of France. She served in this important role from 1991 to 1992. She was the only woman Prime Minister until Élisabeth Borne was appointed in 2022. Later in her career, her time as a European Commissioner faced serious questions about how some funds were managed.

Serving as Prime Minister of France

Édith Cresson was chosen by President François Mitterrand to be Prime Minister on 15 May 1991. This was a very important job in France. However, she was not very popular with the public during her time in office. She left her position after less than a year. This happened after the Socialists did not do well in the regional elections in 1992. Her time as Prime Minister was one of the shortest in the history of the Fifth Republic.

Key Laws and Policies

During her time as Prime Minister, Édith Cresson's government passed several important laws.

• Urban Framework Act of 1991: This law aimed to make sure everyone had a "right to the city." It asked local governments to create good living conditions. This helped prevent areas from becoming separated by social class.
• Support for Businesses: Her government also focused on helping small and medium-sized businesses. These were companies with fewer than 500 employees. The goal was to help them compete better internationally.
• Disability Access Law: A law passed in July 1991 helped people with disabilities. It made it easier for them to access housing, workplaces, and public buildings.
• Legal Aid Expansion: Another law in July 1991 made it easier for people, especially foreigners living legally in France, to get help from the courts.
• Housing Allowances: In January 1992, housing help was given to more low-income families. This applied to those living in cities with over 100,000 people.
• Water Protection Law: A law in January 1992 aimed to protect water quality and quantity. It also helped protect the animals and plants that live in water.
• Citizen Consultation: In February 1992, a law was passed to encourage citizens to be more involved in government decisions.

Role in Women's Leadership

Édith Cresson is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders. This is a group of women who are or have been presidents or prime ministers around the world. Their goal is to bring together top women leaders. They work together on important issues for women and fair development globally.

Serving as a European Commissioner

After being Prime Minister, Édith Cresson became a European Commissioner. This is a high-level job in the European Union. She was the Commissioner for Research, Science, and Technology. However, her time in this role faced serious questions. These questions were about how some funds were managed. This led to the resignation of the entire Santer Commission in 1999.

The European Commission later stated that Cresson "failed to act" when there were known problems with a youth training program. A lot of money went missing from this program.

Questions About an Appointment

When Cresson started her job as a European Commissioner, she wanted to hire a friend, Philippe Berthelot, as a "personal advisor." He was a dental surgeon. Because he was 66 years old, he could not be hired as a regular cabinet member. So, he was hired as a "visiting scientist" in September 1995.

Berthelot mostly worked as a personal advisor to Cresson. His contract was extended beyond the usual limit for visiting scientists. He stayed in the position for two and a half years. Later, questions were raised about this appointment.

Court Case: European Commission vs. Édith Cresson

On 11 July 2006, the European Court of Justice made a decision in a case involving Édith Cresson. The Court stated that she did not follow her duties as a European Commissioner. The Court found that she had breached her obligations. However, considering all the facts, the Court decided that simply stating she had broken her duties was enough of a consequence. They did not take away her right to a pension or other benefits.

Political Career Highlights

Édith Cresson has had a long career in French and European politics.

• European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science: 1995–1999.

Government Roles

• Minister of Agriculture: 1981–1983.
• Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism: 1983–1984.
• Minister of Industrial Redeployment and Foreign Trade: 1984–1986.
• Minister of European Affairs: 1988–1990.
• Prime Minister: 1991–1992.

Elected Positions

• Member of European Parliament: 1979–1981.
• Member of the National Assembly of France for Vienne: 1981, and 1986–1988.
• General Councillor of Vienne: 1982–1998.
• Municipal Councillor of Thuré: 1977–1983.
• Mayor of Thuré: 1977–1983.
• Municipal Councillor of Châtellerault: 1983–2008.
• Mayor of Châtellerault: 1983–1997.
• Deputy-Mayor of Châtellerault: 1997–2008.

Personal Life

Édith Cresson was married to Jacques Cresson from 1959 until his death in 2001. They had two daughters together.

Selected Books

Édith Cresson has also written several books.

• 1976: Avec le soleil
• 1989: L'Europe à votre porte: manuel pratique sur les actions de la CEE intéressant les opérateurs économiques (with Henri Malosse)
• 1998: Innover ou subir
• 2006: Histoires françaises (her autobiography)

Images for kids

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  Cresson in 1997

See also

In Spanish: Édith Cresson para niños