Everything about Alain Poher totally explained
Alain Poher (
17 April 1909 –
9 December 1996) was a
French centrist politician, affiliated first with the
Popular Republican Movement and later with the
Democratic Centre. He served as a
Senator for
Val-de-Marne from 1946 to 1995. He was
President of the Senate from
3 October 1968 to
1 October 1992 and, in that capacity, served twice as the country's
interim president.
Biography and political career
Poher was born in
Ablon-sur-Seine,
Val-de-Marne.
He graduated from Lycées Louis-le-Grand et Saint-Louis in
Paris and later studied
law. On
August 19,
1938 he married Henriette Tugler, with whom he'd one daughter, Marie-Agnès.
His political career began in
1938, when he became a junior executive officer in the Ministry of Finance.
Later he served on severeal positions before entering Senate:
A longtime ally and political protege of Schumann, Poher was elected to the Senate in
1952, where he remained for over 40 years (until
1995). As Senator he continued to serve in some governments and his home town mayor.
As Schuman, he was known for strongly pro-European integration positions, having served as
President of the European Parliament (
1968-
1969).
Interim Presidency of the Republic
According to the
order of succession established by the
Constitution of the Fifth Republic, the
president of the senate assumes the nation's presidential powers and duties following the president's death or resignation, and becomes interim Head of State until the next election.
Poher's first stint as interim president came on
29 April 1969, when
Charles de Gaulle resigned. Previously he was one of the most notable political opponents and played key role in "no" success in de Gaulle's final referendum.
During his interim Presidency Poher continued to serve as Senate President. He, however, resided at this time in
Élysée Palace
Initially Poher tried to recruite
General Marie Pierre Kœnig as candidate and offered him his full support. Kœnig, however, declined to run for the Presidency, citing his poor health and stated, that one general should no replace another general as the head of state.
After Kœnig refusal, Poher himself announced his candidacy. Due to favourable polls he was viewed as strongest opponent of
Georges Pompidou and ony non-
Gaullist candidate who had a real opportunity to win election. Lack of longstanding party machine, however, hurt his chances.
During his short term in office Poher's main task was overseeing incoming election, he himself participated in. However during his tenure he took some major initiatives. E.g. he fired longtime de Gaulle confidant
Jacques Foccart, a Secretary-General for African Affairs and, unofficially, chief of the Gaullist secret services (he returned to the Elysee after Pompidou election).
Poher also ordered the directors of France's state-controlled radio and television networks that public medias must be politically neutral and no act in interest of any certain party. His successors following this precedent. He also ordered to redeploy a large police forces in
Paris, staying after
May 1968 events.
During his tenure Poher served with a gaullist Government of
Prime Minister Maurice Couve de Murville, General's close ally. Some ever reffered this period as the first cohabitation. Despite sharp political difference Poher was widely credited for model cooperation with the Government.
Despite defeat in the election, due to his accomplishment Poher, previously largely unknown to the public opinion, developed a lerge popularity while his Interim Presidency.
He served again as Interim President after Pompidou died in office. This time, however, he didn't run for his own term and stepped down after
Valery Giscard d'Estaing was elected.
Trivia
His favourite author was Lamartine
During his 1969 Presidential bid he was often compared by the U.S. press to Harry Truman, due to his folksy style and successionFurther Information
Get more info on 'Alain Poher'.
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