Biography

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Édith Cresson was appointed Prime Minister of France in 1991 by President Francois Mitterand, and served for a term of just under one year. She is the first woman in French history to serve as premier. 

Cresson attended the School of Advanced Commercial Studies, earning a degree in business and later a doctorate in demography.

​Prior to becoming Prime Minister, Cresson served as a Member of the European Parliament (1979-1981), Minister of Agriculture (1981-1983), Minister of Trade (1983-1984), and Minister of Industry and Development (1984-1986). From 1995-1999, she was the European Commissioner for Education, Research, and Social Services.