Pierre Werner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pierre Werner
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| 18th Prime Minister of Luxembourg | |
| In office 16 July 1979 – 20 July 1984 |
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| Monarch | Jean |
| Preceded by | Gaston Thorn |
| Succeeded by | Jacques Santer |
| In office 2 March 1959 – 15 June 1974 |
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| Monarch | Charlotte Jean |
| Preceded by | Pierre Frieden |
| Succeeded by | Gaston Thorn |
| Minister of Finances | |
| In office 23 December 1953 – 15 June 1974 |
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| Prime Minister | Joseph Bech Pierre Frieden Himself |
| Preceded by | Pierre Dupong |
| Succeeded by | Raymond Vouel |
| Minister of Justice | |
| In office 2 March 1959 – 3 January 1967 |
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| Prime Minister | Himself |
| Preceded by | Victor Bodson |
| Succeeded by | Jean Dupong |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 15 July 1964 – 3 January 1967 |
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| Prime Minister | Himself |
| Preceded by | Eugène Schaus |
| Succeeded by | Pierre Grégoire |
| Minister of Defence | |
| In office 23 December 1953 – 2 March 1959 |
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| Prime Minister | Joseph Bech Pierre Frieden |
| Preceded by | Joseph Bech |
| Succeeded by | Eugène Schaus |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 December 1913 Saint-André-lez-Lille, France |
| Died | 24 June 2002 (aged 88) Luxembourg, Luxembourg |
| Political party | Christian Social People's |
Pierre Werner (born December 29, 1913 – died June 24, 2002) was an important politician from Luxembourg. He belonged to the Christian Social People's Party (CSV). He served as the Prime Minister of Luxembourg twice. His first time was from 1959 to 1974, and his second time was from 1979 to 1984.
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Early Life and Education
Pierre Werner was born in Saint-André-lez-Lille, France. His parents were from Luxembourg. He started his higher education in Luxembourg from 1933 to 1934. Later, he studied law in Paris, France, from 1934 to 1937. In 1938, he earned his PhD in Law in Luxembourg.
During his student years, he was very active. He led the Association of Catholic Students from 1935 to 1937. He also became the vice-president of the Pax Romana movement in 1937. This group focused on intellectual and cultural topics.
In 1938, Werner began working as a lawyer in Luxembourg City. He later changed careers and became a banker. During World War II, when the Nazis occupied Luxembourg, Werner secretly supported the people who resisted the occupation. After the war, he became the person in charge of checking the banking system in Luxembourg. He also attended the Bretton Woods conference. This meeting helped create the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which helps countries with their money.
Leading Luxembourg
Pierre Werner became the Minister of Finance for Luxembourg in 1953. He then served as Prime Minister for two long periods. He was Prime Minister from 1959 to 1974 and again from 1979 to 1984. He also held other important roles, like Minister for Culture.
As the head of government, he worked with different political parties. From 1959 to 1964, he led a group with the Democratic Party. Then, from 1964 to 1969, he worked with the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party. After that, he teamed up with the Democratic Party again from 1969 to 1974.
After 1974, Werner and his party were not in power for the first time since World War II. But they returned in 1979, and he led another government with the Democratic Party until 1984.
Helping Europe Unite
Werner played a key role in solving a big problem in Europe in 1965. This problem was called the "empty chair" crisis. France's President, Charles de Gaulle, was unhappy with how European countries were working together. So, France stopped attending important meetings. Werner convinced France to come back, which helped the European decision-making process start again.
In 1970, European leaders asked Werner to create a plan for an economic and money union in Europe. He worked with experts to design this plan. His report suggested making gradual changes. It also proposed setting exchange rates permanently and introducing a single currency within ten years. This plan, known as the "Werner Plan", was not put into action right away. This was due to political disagreements and a big oil crisis. However, the "Werner Plan" was later used and expanded by Jacques Delors. Its ideas were included in the Treaty of Maastricht. This treaty helped create the single European currency, the euro.
Growing Luxembourg's Economy
As Prime Minister, Werner worked to make Luxembourg's economy stronger. The country's steel industry was facing a big crisis. Werner helped by bringing new industries and financial services to Luxembourg. He also helped Luxembourg become a leader in global satellite communications.
He is also remembered for using "tripartite" social mediation. This means that industry leaders, workers, and the government worked together. This approach helped Luxembourg overcome a serious steel crisis that lasted from 1979 to 1984. Werner always made European integration a central part of Luxembourg's policies. He was a strong supporter of Europe working together, alongside friends like Joseph Bech, Jean Monnet, and Robert Schuman. During his time in office, he helped bring several European organizations to Luxembourg.
Other Activities and Legacy
After leaving politics in 1984, Pierre Werner continued to be active. He took on some official roles and supported cultural activities. From 1985 to 1987, he was the chairman of a big broadcasting company called CLT (Radio Luxembourg). He helped Luxembourg become a key player in global satellite communications.
From 1989 to 1996, he was the chairman of the board for Société européenne des satellites. This company is important for satellites. He became Honorary chairman in 1996. He worked hard to make Luxembourg a leader in satellite telecommunications.
Pierre Werner also cared about culture, especially music. He actively supported restoring historical places in Luxembourg, like Vianden Castle. He was a big fan of cricket, a sport he learned about in London in 1930. He was the Honorary President of the Optimists Cricket Club. Luxembourg's main cricket ground, the Pierre Werner Cricket Ground in Walferdange, is named after him.
The Pierre Werner Institute (IPW) was created in Luxembourg in 2003. This institute organizes events to help France, Germany, and Luxembourg understand each other better. It also promotes understanding across Europe.
Pierre Werner passed away on June 24, 2002, in Luxembourg City.
See also
- List of prime ministers of Luxembourg
- Werner-Schaus Ministry I
- Werner-Cravatte Ministry
- Werner-Schaus Ministry II
- Werner-Thorn Ministry
- Werner-Flesch Ministry
