About
Jacques Chaban-Delmas, born Jacques Delmas in Paris, was a major figure in French political life. Engaged in the Resistance from 1940, he adopted the pseudonym 'Chaban' and became a liaison officer between the internal Resistance and Free France. He played a key role in the liberation of Paris in 1944. After the war, he was deputy for Gironde, mayor of Bordeaux for 48 years, and president of the National Assembly on several occasions. Prime Minister from 1969 to 1972, he launched the 'New Society' program. He was also an accomplished sportsman, winning a tennis doubles title in 1970.
* 1915-03-07 — † 2000-11-10
Major works
- L'Ardeur (1975)autobiography
- Charles de Gaulle (1980)biography
- La Libération (1984)historical essay
- Les Compagnons (1986)historical essay
- Mémoires pour demain (1997)memoirs
Key milestones
- 1944Played a decisive role in the liberation of Paris by persuading the Allied command to enter the capital.
- 1969Appointed Prime Minister by Georges Pompidou, launched the 'New Society' program.
- 1974Candidate in the presidential election, eliminated in the first round with about 15% of the vote.
Themes
ResistanceGaullismSocial reformDecentralizationSport
Sources: britannica.com · pace.coe.int