Births on January 27

Édith Cresson, French politician and diplomat, 160th Prime Minister of France

Édith Cresson, born Édith Campion on 27 January 1934, is a highly significant figure in modern French politics. She holds the distinction of being the first and, to date, the only woman to have held the prestigious office of Prime Minister of France, a landmark achievement in a nation historically dominated by male leadership. Her career, while marked by this groundbreaking role, also faced considerable challenges and concluded amidst controversy.

A Pioneering Prime Ministership

Édith Cresson was appointed Prime Minister by President François Mitterrand on 15 May 1991. Her ascension to the head of the French government was a momentous event, shattering a long-standing gender barrier in the upper echelons of power. Before her premiership, Cresson had already built a substantial political career, holding various ministerial portfolios including Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Foreign Trade, and Minister for European Affairs. Her appointment as Prime Minister was seen by some as a strategic move by Mitterrand to inject new energy into his Socialist government and appeal to a broader electorate.

Despite the historic nature of her appointment, Cresson's tenure as Prime Minister was notably brief, lasting less than a year, until 2 April 1992. While often described as "uneventful" in terms of major policy shifts or national crises, her time in Matignon was fraught with political difficulties. She faced declining public approval ratings, internal dissent within the Socialist Party, and a challenging economic climate. Her efforts to tackle unemployment and maintain social cohesion in a period of economic slowdown proved difficult, and her outspoken style sometimes alienated both political allies and the media. Her short term as Prime Minister, therefore, reflects more the prevailing political climate and internal party dynamics than a lack of capability on her part.

The European Commissioner Role and Controversial End to Her Career

Following her premiership, Édith Cresson continued her public service at the European level. In 1995, she was appointed European Commissioner for Research, Science and Technology, serving as part of the Jacques Santer-led European Commission. This role placed her at the heart of European Union policy-making and resource allocation for crucial scientific and technological development initiatives across the continent.

However, her tenure as European Commissioner became embroiled in a major scandal that ultimately led to the unprecedented collective resignation of the entire Santer Commission. Allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and nepotism arose, particularly concerning the "Leonardo da Vinci" vocational training program. The most prominent accusation involved a contract awarded to her long-time personal acquaintance, Dr. René Berthelot, who allegedly lacked the necessary qualifications for the work he was commissioned to do under the program. These charges fueled a widespread political crisis within the European Union.

A critical report issued in March 1999 by a "Committee of Independent Experts," commissioned by the European Parliament, found significant issues of cronyism and poor oversight within the Commission, with particular focus on departments under Cresson's responsibility. This report, condemning a perceived lack of accountability and widespread irregularities, ultimately triggered the collective resignation of the Santer Commission on 15 March 1999 – the first time in the history of the European Union that an entire Commission had resigned en masse due to such circumstances.

Subsequent legal proceedings followed, and in 2006, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Édith Cresson had committed a "serious breach of her obligations" as a Commissioner. While the court did not strip her of her pension, taking into account her advanced age and the absence of any prior convictions, the ruling cemented the controversial end to her distinguished, yet ultimately tarnished, political career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Édith Cresson

When was Édith Cresson Prime Minister of France?

Édith Cresson served as Prime Minister of France from 15 May 1991 to 2 April 1992, under President François Mitterrand.

Why is Édith Cresson historically significant?

She is historically significant as the first and, to date, the only woman to have held the office of Prime Minister of France, breaking a significant gender barrier in French political leadership.

What was the "Scandal" involving Édith Cresson?

The scandal primarily involved allegations of corruption and mismanagement during her tenure as European Commissioner for Research, Science and Technology (1995-1999), particularly concerning irregularities in the "Leonardo da Vinci" vocational training program and cronyism. This led to the collective resignation of the entire Santer Commission in March 1999.

Did Édith Cresson face legal consequences for the scandal?

Yes, in 2006, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) found that she had committed a "serious breach of her obligations" as a Commissioner, though she was not stripped of her pension.