Claude Cheysson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Claude Cheysson
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Cheysson in 1981
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| Minister of External Affairs | |
| In office 22 May 1981 – 7 December 1984 |
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| President | François Mitterrand |
| Prime Minister | Pierre Mauroy Laurent Fabius |
| Preceded by | Jean François-Poncet |
| Succeeded by | Roland Dumas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 April 1920 16th arrondissement of Paris, France |
| Died | 15 October 2012 (aged 92) 6th arrondissement of Paris, France |
| Political party | Socialist Party |
| Alma mater | École polytechnique ÉNA |
Claude Cheysson (born April 13, 1920 – died October 15, 2012) was an important French politician. He was a member of the Socialist Party. He is best known for serving as France's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1981 to 1984. He also worked as a European Commissioner, helping with development and international relations.
Contents
A Life of Public Service
Claude Cheysson dedicated his life to serving France and Europe. He held many important roles. These roles helped shape France's place in the world.
Early Life and World War II
Cheysson was born in Paris, France. He went to a private school called Cours Hattemer. When World War II started, he bravely left France. He joined the 2nd Armored Division. This division was led by General Leclerc. Cheysson served as a second lieutenant. He fought in the 12th Chasseurs d'Afrique Regiment.
Working for France
After the war, Cheysson joined the Foreign Ministry in 1948. This is the part of the government that deals with other countries. The next year, he became the head of the team that worked with West German authorities.
As he gained more experience, he took on many different jobs:
- In 1952, he advised the president of the government in French Indochina.
- From 1954 to 1955, he was the chief of staff for Premier Pierre Mendès France.
- From 1957 to 1962, he was the general secretary for technical cooperation in Africa.
- From 1962 to 1965, he directed the Organisme Saharien.
- From 1966 to 1969, he served as France's ambassador to Indonesia.
Helping Europe
In 1973, Cheysson took on a new challenge. He was appointed as a French European Commissioner. This meant he worked for the EU's main executive body.
His first job as Commissioner lasted until 1977. He was in charge of development policy and cooperation. He also handled budgets and financial control. From 1977 to 1981, he focused on development. This involved helping developing countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In 1981, Cheysson left the European Commission. He joined the French Government. He became the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He held this very important position until 1984. This role meant he was France's top diplomat. He represented France to other countries around the world.
After this, he joined the Delors Commission. This was another part of the European Commission. From 1985 to 1989, he was responsible for policies related to the Mediterranean region. He also worked on "north–south relations." This refers to the relationship between richer countries (often in the north) and developing countries (often in the south).
Later Years
By 1999, Claude Cheysson joined a group called Collectif Liberté pour l'Afghanistan. This group wanted Western countries to take action against the Taliban. They also spoke out against Osama bin Laden.
