Colette Flesch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Colette Flesch
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Colette Flesch in the 1970s
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| Member of the Chamber of Deputies | |
| In office 3 August 2004 – 8 July 2009 |
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| Constituency | Centre |
| In office 23 July 1984 – 18 July 1989 |
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| Constituency | Centre |
| In office 5 February 1969 – 22 November 1980 |
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| Constituency | Centre |
| Member of the European Parliament | |
| In office 7 August 1999 – 19 July 2004 |
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| Constituency | Luxembourg |
| In office 25 July 1989 – 5 June 1990 |
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| Constituency | Luxembourg |
| In office 24 July 1984 – 8 October 1985 |
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| Constituency | Luxembourg |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Economy |
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| In office 22 November 1980 – 20 July 1984 |
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| Prime Minister | Jacques Santer |
| Preceded by | Gaston Thorn |
| Succeeded by | Jacques Poos |
| Minister for Justice | |
| In office 22 November 1980 – 20 July 1984 |
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| Prime Minister | Jacques Santer |
| Preceded by | Gaston Thorn |
| Succeeded by | Robert Krieps |
| Mayor of Luxembourg City | |
| In office 23 December 1969 – 22 November 1980 |
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| Preceded by | Paul Wilwertz |
| Succeeded by | Camille Polfer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 April 1937 Dudelange, Luxembourg |
| Died | 21 January 2026 (aged 88) |
| Political party | DP |
Colette Flesch (born April 16, 1937, died January 21, 2026) was an important politician and talented fencer from Luxembourg. She made history by becoming the first woman to hold two major positions. She served as Mayor of Luxembourg City from 1969 to 1980. She was also Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1980 to 1984. Her life was full of dedication to public service and sports.
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Meet Colette Flesch: A Luxembourg Leader
Colette Flesch was a remarkable person who achieved great things. She was known for her strong leadership and her commitment to helping others. Her career spanned many years, both in sports and in politics.
Early Life and Education
Colette Flesch was born in Dudelange, Luxembourg. She was a very bright student. She studied political science at Wellesley College and earned a degree in 1960. Later, she continued her studies in international affairs at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Her excellent education helped prepare her for a long career in public service.
Olympic Fencing Star
Before her political career, Colette Flesch was a skilled fencer. She represented Luxembourg in the Olympic Games three times! She competed in individual foil fencing events. These were at the 1960 Summer Olympics, 1964 Summer Olympics, and 1968 Summer Olympics. This showed her dedication and athletic talent from a young age.
A Career in Public Service
Colette Flesch dedicated many years to serving her country and Europe. She worked for the European Economic Community in Brussels for five years. This organization helped European countries work together. It focused especially on farming and trade.
Leading Luxembourg City
In December 1968, Colette Flesch was elected to the Chamber of Deputies. This is like a parliament where laws are made for the country. A year later, in 1969, she achieved a major milestone. At just 32 years old, she became the first female Mayor of Luxembourg City. She led the city for over a decade, until 1980.
National and European Roles
Colette Flesch served in the Chamber of Deputies for several terms. She was also a member of the European Parliament multiple times. The European Parliament is where representatives from different European countries work together. They create laws and policies for the whole continent. She also took on leadership roles within her political party, the Democratic Party. She was its general secretary in 1976. Later, she became its president from 1981 to 1989.
Working for Europe
From 1980 to 1984, Colette Flesch held very important positions in the government of Luxembourg. She was the Deputy Prime Minister, which is a high-ranking role. She also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In this role, she handled Luxembourg's relationships with other countries. Additionally, she was the Minister for the Economy and Justice.
Later, from 1990 to 1999, she worked for the European Commission. This is like the executive branch of the European Union. She was a director-general, overseeing areas like culture, communication, sports, and translation.
Later Contributions
Even after her major national and European roles, Colette Flesch continued to serve. She was a city councillor for Luxembourg City from 1988 to 1999. She also became an alderman, helping to make decisions for the city. She was also the president of the European Institute of Cultural Routes. This organization helps promote cultural heritage across Europe.
See also
In Spanish: Colette Flesch para niños
