this architect of European construction leaves the single currency as a legacy

Jacques Delors, who died on Wednesday at the age of 98, will be remembered as one of the builders of the euro and the single market.

The man who was president of the European Commission for more than 10 years between 1985 and 95 is “the father of the euro”. We have forgotten how difficult it was at the time to convince each nation to abandon its currency; it was seen as a loss of sovereignty by the States. Having the same currency everywhere in the union, even today, is a small revolution, and an element of financial stability. Since the Treaty of Rome in 1957, it is also undoubtedly the most concrete European achievement for citizens.

Very early on, Jacques Delors, who died on Wednesday January 27 at the age of 98, defended the idea of ​​a single market, this would be his project, his great work. Already as François Mitterrand’s Minister of Economy and Finance between 1981 and 1984, Jacques Delors advocated a strong, market and commercial, competitive monetary Europe. It was under his presidency at the Commission, in Brussels, that in 1985, the Europe of Schengen was established, with the abolition of customs. He is also at the origin of what we call “the Delors package”. A set of measures which outline the economic contours of Europe with a sort of Marshall Plan for the most disadvantaged regions, but also and above all the free movement of capital and goods.

In January 1993, the single market of which he was one of the most relentless architects became reality. This market today has more than 450 million consumers and still remains a real asset for Europe in attracting businesses but also investments.

Social Democrat in favor of tightening public finances

In France, Jacques Delors is one of the artisans of rigor. He is in favor of tightening public spending, increasing social security contributions, and moderating prices and wages. In these difficult 1980s, this socialist made the fight against inflation his priority. Whoever defines himself as a “social democrat” is fighting to lower unemployment, reduce the trade deficit and preserve France’s monetary balance. It is this seriousness, this budgetary rigor, this realism some will say that will make him, among other things, miss Matignon. In 1984, when Jacques Delors was in a good position to become Prime Minister, he heard François Mitterrand say at the Élysée: “You would have been a good choice for Matignon but you are not left-wing enough.” The president then preferred Laurent Fabius.