Former French Minister for Foreign Affairs (1997-2002). He started his political career in the Ministry of Culture as head of the office responsible for town conservation (1974-78). From 1979 to 1981 he served as Geographical Coordinator attached to the Director-General of the Cultural, Scientific and Technical Directorate of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. He was Diplomatic Adviser to the President of the Republic (1981-86); from 1988 to 1995 he was Spokesman for the Presidency of the Republic. Already Appointed maître des requêtes (legal adviser) in 1986, he served at the State Council from 1995 to 1996.