Births on February 13

Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber, French journalist and politician (d. 2006)

Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber: A French Journalist and Political Visionary

Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber, widely known by his initials JJSS (born February 13, 1924, died November 7, 2006), was a towering figure in 20th-century French public life. He carved out a distinguished career as a dynamic journalist, an influential intellectual, and a transformative politician whose actions profoundly shaped France's media landscape and political alignments over several decades.

Co-founding L'Express: A New Era in French Journalism

JJSS's significant impact on French journalism began in 1953 when he co-founded the groundbreaking weekly news magazine *L'Express* alongside the brilliant journalist and future government minister, Françoise Giroud. *L'Express* rapidly distinguished itself for its modern, incisive political analysis, adopting an energetic, American-inspired journalistic style that was fresh for post-war France. It quickly became a vital platform for critical debate, focusing on contemporary social issues and international affairs, and playing a crucial role in shaping public discourse and intellectual thought during a period of rapid national change.

Leading the Radical Party: A Shift Towards the Center-Right

Transitioning more actively into the political sphere, Servan-Schreiber ascended to the presidency of the historic Radical Party in 1971. This marked a pivotal moment for the party, which traditionally occupied the center-left or secular republican space in French politics. Under JJSS's leadership, the Radical Party underwent a significant ideological transformation, strategically moving towards the center-right of the French political spectrum. This reorientation led to the party being subsequently known as the *Parti radical valoisien*, a name that served to differentiate it from other radical factions and explicitly signaled its evolving political identity. The 'Valoisien' suffix specifically refers to the Place de Valois in Paris, where the party's historic headquarters were located, solidifying its institutional continuity while signaling its renewed political direction and a more moderate stance.

Forging New Alliances: The Reforming Movement and the 1974 Presidential Election

Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to reshaping the French political landscape, Servan-Schreiber spearheaded the formation of the ambitious Reforming Movement in 1972. This initiative was a collaborative effort with the prominent Christian Democrat Jean Lecanuet, conceived with the aim of creating a powerful centrist political force. Their vision was to offer a compelling alternative to both the entrenched Gaullist right and the burgeoning Socialist-Communist left. This push for a unified center culminated in their crucial endorsement of Valéry Giscard d'Estaing's conservative candidature in the intensely fought 1974 presidential election. The backing from Servan-Schreiber and the Reforming Movement was instrumental in Giscard d'Estaing's narrow victory, which ushered in a period of significant social and economic modernization for France and solidified a key political realignment of the era.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber

Who was Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber (JJSS)?

Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber, known as JJSS (1924-2006), was a highly influential French journalist, intellectual, and politician. He is remembered for co-founding *L'Express* magazine and for leading the Radical Party through a significant ideological transformation.

What was the significance of *L'Express*?

*L'Express*, co-founded by JJSS and Françoise Giroud in 1953, was a pioneering weekly news magazine in France. It was renowned for its modern, analytical journalism and played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and intellectual discourse during the mid-20th century by addressing contemporary political and social issues.

How did JJSS influence the Radical Party?

As president from 1971, JJSS instigated a major shift within the historically center-left Radical Party, guiding it towards the center-right of the French political spectrum. This strategic realignment resulted in the party being renamed the *Parti radical valoisien*, reflecting its updated political identity and moderate stance.

Why did JJSS support Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1974?

JJSS, through his Reforming Movement co-founded with Jean Lecanuet, supported Valéry Giscard d'Estaing's conservative presidential campaign in 1974. This support was part of a broader strategy to establish a strong, unified centrist political force in France, offering a modernizing alternative and ultimately contributing to Giscard d'Estaing's successful election.