Jacques Santer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacques Santer
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Santer in 1995
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| President of the European Commission | |
| In office 25 January 1995 – 15 March 1999 |
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| Vice President | Leon Brittan |
| Preceded by | Jacques Delors |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Marín (Acting) |
| Prime Minister of Luxembourg | |
| In office 20 July 1984 – 20 January 1995 |
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| Monarch | Jean |
| Preceded by | Pierre Werner |
| Succeeded by | Jean-Claude Juncker |
| Minister of Finances | |
| In office 16 July 1979 – 14 July 1989 |
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| Prime Minister | Pierre Werner Himself |
| Preceded by | Jacques Poos |
| Succeeded by | Jean-Claude Juncker |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jacques Louis Santer
18 May 1937 Wasserbillig, Luxembourg |
| Political party |
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| Spouse | Danièle Binot (m. 1967) |
| Children | Patrick, Jérôme |
| Alma mater | |
Jacques Santer (born 18 May 1937) is a politician from Luxembourg. He is well-known for serving as the President of the European Commission from 1995 to 1999. Before that, he was the Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1984 to 1995. He also served as the finance minister of Luxembourg from 1979 to 1989.
Santer was a member of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV). This party was a very important part of the Luxembourgish government for many years. As Prime Minister, he helped negotiate the Single European Act. This important agreement helped European countries work more closely together.
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Early Life and Political Start
Jacques Santer studied at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, graduating in 1959. He then earned his law degree in 1961.
From 1972 to 1974, he worked as a junior minister in the government. Later, from 1979 to 1984, he became the Minister of Finance, Minister for Work, and Minister for Social Security. He held these roles under Prime Minister Pierre Werner.
Becoming Prime Minister
After the general election of 1984, Pierre Werner retired. Jacques Santer then became the new Prime Minister of Luxembourg. His party, the CSV, formed a new partnership with the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP). This partnership lasted until 1999.
In 1990, Santer had to reveal information about a secret organization in Luxembourg. This group was called a "stay-behind army." It was set up in 1959 by the secret service of Luxembourg and coordinated by NATO. Santer explained that the group had very few members and was meant for intelligence gathering and helping people escape if needed. He confirmed that the organization was dissolved.
Leading the European Commission
In 1995, Jacques Santer became the ninth President of the European Commission. He was chosen as a compromise candidate after the first choice was not approved. The European Parliament approved his selection, though they were not happy with how the president was chosen.
In the same year, 1995, Santer received the Vision for Europe Award. This award recognizes people who have a strong vision for the future of Europe.
Later, there were concerns about some members of the European Commission. An investigation looked into these issues. The report said that no one seemed to take responsibility for the problems. Because the people involved did not want to resign, Santer and his entire Commission decided to step down on 15 March 1999. This happened on the same day the report was published.
After the Commission
From 1999 to 2004, Santer was a member of the European Parliament. This is a group of elected officials who represent the people of Europe.
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He is currently the President of Group Europe, which is part of the Union of European Federalists. This group supports the idea of a more united Europe. He also serves on the board of directors for RTL Group, a large international TV company.
In 2012, Jacques Santer was chosen to lead a special financial group. This group was designed to help strengthen the European Financial Stability Facility, which is a fund that helps countries in the eurozone. In 2013, he became an Honorary Member of SME Europe, a business organization linked to the European People's Party.
Honours and Awards
Jacques Santer has received many awards and honours from different countries for his work. Some of these include:
- Order of the Falcon from Iceland (1990)
- Order of the Rising Sun from Japan (2015)
- Order of the Oak Crown from Luxembourg
- Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis from Poland (2008)
- Order of Prince Henry from Portugal (1990)
- Military Order of Christ from Portugal (1988)
- National Order of Faithful Service from Romania (2004)
- Order of Merit of the Italian Republic from Italy (1973)
See also
In Spanish: Jacques Santer para niños
- List of prime ministers of Luxembourg
- Santer Commission
