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Colette Flesch
Colette Flesch 09-2022.jpg
Colette Flesch in 2022.
Member of the Chamber of Deputies
In office
3 August 2004 – 8 July 2009
Constituency Centre
In office
1989–1984
Constituency Centre
In office
1980–1969
Constituency Centre
Member of the European Parliament
In office
19 July 2004 – 7 August 1999
Constituency Luxembourg
In office
5 June 1990 – 25 July 1989
Constituency Luxembourg
In office
8 October 1985 – 24 July 1984
Constituency Luxembourg
Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg
In office
22 November 1980 – 20 July 1984
Preceded by Gaston Thorn
Succeeded by Jacques Poos
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office
22 November 1980 – 20 July 1984
Preceded by Gaston Thorn
Succeeded by Jacques Poos
Minister of the Economy
In office
22 November 1980 – 20 July 1984
Preceded by Gaston Thorn
Succeeded by Jacques Poos
Minister of Justice
In office
22 November 1980 – 20 July 1984
Preceded by Gaston Thorn
Succeeded by Robert Krieps
Mayor of Luxembourg City
In office
23 December 1969 – 1 December 1980
Preceded by Paul Wilwertz
Succeeded by Camille Polfer

Colette Flesch, born on April 16, 1937, in Dudelange, Luxembourg, is a well-known politician and a former fencer. She made history by becoming the first woman to hold important positions in Luxembourg. She was the Mayor of Luxembourg City from 1969 to 1980. Later, she served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1980 to 1984.

Early Life and Education

Colette Flesch studied at several universities. In 1960, she earned a degree in political science from Wellesley College. She then received a master's degree in International Affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. She also studied at The Hague Academy of International Law.

Sports Career

Before her political career, Colette Flesch was a talented fencer. She competed in the individual foil events. She represented Luxembourg in the Summer Olympics three times. These were the Olympic Games in 1960, 1964, and 1968.

Political Journey

Colette Flesch has held many important roles in politics. She worked for the European Economic Community in Brussels for five years. There, she focused on agriculture within the Common Market.

Early Political Roles

In December 1968, she was elected to the Chamber of Deputies. This was an early election. In 1969, at just 32 years old, she became the first female Mayor of Luxembourg City. She served as mayor until 1980.

Besides her work in the Chamber of Deputies, she was also a member of the European Parliament. She served in the European Parliament during several periods: from 1969 to 1980, 1984 to 1985, 1989 to 1990, and 1999 to 2004.

Leadership in the Democratic Party

Colette Flesch was also a leader within the Democratic Party. In 1976, she became the General Secretary of the party. From 1981 to 1989, she served as its President.

Government Minister

From 1980 to 1984, Colette Flesch was a key member of Pierre Werner's government. She held several important ministerial positions. She was the Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister. She also managed foreign trade, cooperation, the economy, and justice.

Later Career and Contributions

After her time as a minister, Colette Flesch continued her work in Europe. From 1990 to 1999, she was a Director-General for the European Commission. She oversaw areas like Culture, Communication, and Sports. Later, she was in charge of translation services.

She also served as a city councillor for Luxembourg City. She held this role from January 1, 1988, to December 31, 1999. She was also an alderman. Colette Flesch was also the president of the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR).

See also

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