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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 16 April 1937 in Dudelange) is a famous Luxembourgish politician. She was also a talented fencer in her younger years.

Early Life and Education

Colette Flesch studied at several important universities. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Wellesley College in 1960. After that, she got her 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.

Colette Flesch: An Olympic Fencer

Before her political career, Colette Flesch was a skilled fencer. She competed in the foil events at three different Summer Olympics:

Political Career

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 farming and trade within the Common Market.

First Female Mayor of Luxembourg City

In December 1968, she was elected to the Chamber of Deputies. A year later, in 1969, she made history. At just 32 years old, she became the first female Mayor of Luxembourg City. She served as Mayor until 1980.

Roles in Parliament

Colette Flesch was a member of the Chamber of Deputies for many years:

  • 1969 to 1980
  • 1984 to 1989
  • 2004 to 2009

She was also a member of the European Parliament during these periods:

  • 1969 to 1980
  • 1984 to 1985
  • 1989 to 1990
  • 1999 to 2004

Leading the Democratic Party

Colette Flesch was very active within the Democratic Party. In 1976, she became the party's General Secretary. From 1981 to 1989, she served as the President of the Democratic Party.

Government Minister Roles

From 1980 to 1984, Colette Flesch was a key member of Pierre Werner's government. She held several important positions at the same time:

  • Deputy Prime Minister
  • Minister of Foreign Affairs
  • Minister for foreign trade, cooperation, the economy, small and medium enterprises, and justice.

European Commission Work

After her time in the Luxembourg government, she worked for the European Commission. From 1990 to 1999, she was a Director-General. This meant she led departments for Culture, Communication, and Sports. Later, she also led the department for translation.

City Councillor and Alderman

From 1988 to 1999, Colette Flesch was a city councillor for Luxembourg City. She later became an alderman, which is another important role in city government.

Cultural Leadership

She also served as the president of the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR). This organization helps promote cultural heritage across Europe.

See also

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