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Death of Jacques Delors: look back at his political career
Jacques Delors, former president of the European Commission and political figure of the left, died this Wednesday, December 27. – (France 3)
Jacques Delors, former president of the European Commission and political figure of the left, died this Wednesday, December 27.
Spectacular renunciation, and unique case under the 5th republic, Jacques Delors is the only politician who did not want to be president, even though all the polls gave him the winner and France was calling for him. Already, twice, he refused the post of Prime Minister proposed by François Mitterrand. Each time, he fears not having sufficient room for maneuver to carry out his action. Never, even in his early days, did he chase power.
Activist at the CFTC
Being useful will be the only course of action for this practicing Catholic from a modest family. Self-taught, he began his career at the Banque de France, like his father. Trade unionism interests him more than politics: he is an activist at the CFTC. Labeled on the left, he nevertheless became advisor to Prime Minister Jacques Chaban-Delmas, he would be the inspiration for his “new society” project. He joined the Socialist Party in 1974, poorly accepted by the left wing.
