Jean François-Poncet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean François-Poncet
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| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 29 November 1978 – 13 May 1981 |
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| President | Valéry Giscard d'Estaing |
| Preceded by | Louis de Guiringaud |
| Succeeded by | Claude Cheysson |
| Senator for Lot-et-Garonne | |
| In office 25 September 1983 – 30 September 2011 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 December 1928 Paris, France |
| Died | 18 July 2012 (aged 83) Paris, France |
| Political party | Union for French Democracy, Union for a Popular Movement |
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| Alma mater | Wesleyan University (BA) Paris Law School (JD) École nationale d'administration |
Jean François-Poncet (born December 8, 1928 – died July 18, 2012) was an important French politician and diplomat. He worked for the French government for many years. He is best known for being the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1978 to 1981. This means he was France's top diplomat, dealing with other countries. Later, he served as a Senator, representing the Lot-et-Garonne region, for nearly 30 years.
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Early Life and Education
Jean François-Poncet was born in Paris, France. His father, André François-Poncet, was also a famous French diplomat and politician. His father served as the French Ambassador to Germany. He witnessed the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party before World War II.
Jean François-Poncet studied at several well-known universities. He earned his first degree from Wesleyan University in the United States in 1947. He then continued his studies at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He also received a PhD in economics from the Paris Law School. He was a graduate of the École nationale d'administration, a top school for future French government leaders.
A Career in Diplomacy and Government
Jean François-Poncet began his career as a diplomat in the 1950s and 1960s. Diplomats represent their country in other nations. They work to build good relationships and solve problems peacefully.
In 1967, he entered politics. He was elected as a member of the general council in Lot-et-Garonne. This is a local government role. From 1971 to 1974, he worked as the CEO of Carnaud SA. This was a large company that made packaging.
Returning to Public Service
In 1974, Jean François-Poncet returned to government work. President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing appointed him as a secretary of state. This role was at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1976, President Giscard d'Estaing gave him an even more important job. He became the Secretary General in the Office of the President. This was a very key position in French politics.
Serving as Foreign Minister
In 1978, President Giscard d'Estaing appointed François-Poncet as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This was a very important job. He was responsible for France's relationships with all other countries. He held this position until 1981.
A Long Career in the Senate
In 1983, Jean François-Poncet was elected as a Senator for the Department of Lot-et-Garonne. He served in the Senate for a very long time, until 2010.
During his time as a Senator, he held several important roles:
- He led the Economic Affairs Committee until 2001. This committee dealt with France's economy.
- He was also a Vice President of the Foreign Relations and Defense Committee. This committee focused on France's relationships with other countries and its military.
- He served as Vice President of the Senatorial European Affairs Committee. This committee worked on issues related to Europe.
He also led Senate groups on visits to many countries. These trips included places in Eastern Europe, South-East Asia, China, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and most Middle Eastern countries. These visits helped France build stronger ties with other nations.
Later Life
Jean François-Poncet passed away in Paris, France, on July 18, 2012. He was 83 years old. He had a long and important career serving France as both a diplomat and a politician.
