Georges Pompidou

Georges Pompidou (July 5, 1911 – April 2, 1974) was President of France from 1969 to his death in 1974.Georges Pompidou, President of France

He was born in Monboudif, Cantal, France and graduated from the École Normale Supérieure.

A supporter of Charles de Gaulle, he served under him as Prime Minister from April 16, 1962 to July 13, 1968. As Prime Minister during the student demonstrations of May 1968, Pompidou was widely regard as having been responsible for ensuring that the disorder had a peaceful conclusion. This led to his dismissal by a jealous de Gaulle.

Following de Gaulle’s resignation in 1969, Pompidou was elected to be his successor as President of France, defeating Acting President Alain Poher. As President, Pompidou, though a Gaullist, proved more moderate than his predecessor, notably allowing Britain to join the European Community in 1973.

He died from cancer in 1974 while in office, to the surprise of most of the public. Poher succeeded him as acting president.