(1925-1993)
French socialist politician, prime minister 1992–93. A close ally of François Mitterrand, he was named chief of staff 1981 after managing the successful presidential campaign. He was social affairs minister 1982–84 and finance minister 1984–86 and 1988–92. He resigned as premier following the Socialists' defeat in the March 1993 general election, and shortly afterwards committed suicide.
The son of a Ukrainian immigrant, he was largely self-educated and his working-class background contrasted sharply with that of the other Socialist Party leaders. As finance minister, he was widely respected by France's financial community. He replaced the unpopular Edith Cresson as prime minister April 1992. He pledged to reduce unemployment and cut taxes to stimulate economic growth.