Georges Pompidou (1911–74,) in full Georges-Jean-Raymond Pompidou, was a French political leader. He served as premier of the Fifth French Republic 1962–68 and president from 1969 until his death. He played a crucial role in solidifying the new system that handed France over a generation of efficient government and economic growth.
Born in Montboudif in the Auvergne, Pompidou served in the resistance movement during World War II. From 1944, he worked as Charles de Gaulle’s aide and adviser and was a member of the powerful Conseil d’État (Council of State) 1946–57, becoming prime minister in 1958. He was not reappointed when the Gaullists won the 1968 election. After De Gaulle’s resignation, Pompidou succeeded him.
During his presidency, Pompidou was mostly successful in continuing the policies initiated by de Gaulle. For almost five years, he provided France with a stable government and strengthened its economy. He also supported Great Britain’s entry into the European Economic Community (EEC.) He enhanced friendship and economic ties with the Arab states, but he was less successful with West Germany and the United States.
The Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, the idea of which was conceived by Pompidou himself in 1969, was completed in his memory in 1978.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Georges Pompidou
There are three roads to ruin; women, gambling and technicians. The most pleasant is with women, the quickest is with gambling, but the surest is with technicians.
—Georges Pompidou
Topics: Technology
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