# Alain Poher

> French politician (1909-1996)

**Wikidata**: [Q12950](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12950)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alain_Poher)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alain-poher

## Summary
Alain Poher was a French politician and statesman who played a pivotal role in post-war French governance, serving twice as interim President of France and as a long-standing President of the Senate. He is known for his contributions to European integration and his leadership during periods of political transition.

## Biography
- Born: April 17, 1909, in Ablon-sur-Seine, France
- Nationality: French
- Education: Graduated from Lycée Louis-le-Grand, Lycée Saint-Louis, and studied at Mines ParisTech and Sciences Po
- Known for: Serving as interim President of France and contributing to the development of European policy
- Employer(s): French Senate, European Parliament, French Government
- Field(s): Politics, European Integration, Legislative Affairs

## Contributions
Alain Poher made several significant contributions throughout his political career:
- Served as interim President of France twice: following Charles de Gaulle's resignation in 1969 and Georges Pompidou's death in 1974
- President of the French Senate from 1968 to 1992, one of the longest-serving Presidents in French history
- Advocated for European integration and played a role in shaping France's position within the European community
- Contributed to post-war political stability and constitutional governance in France

## FAQs
### Where did Alain Poher study?
Alain Poher was educated at several prestigious French institutions, including Lycée Louis-le-Grand, Lycée Saint-Louis, Mines ParisTech, and Sciences Po.

### What political roles did Alain Poher hold?
Poher held numerous political roles, including President of the French Senate (1968–1992), interim President of France (1969 and 1974), and was involved in European parliamentary work.

### What is Alain Poher's legacy in French politics?
Alain Poher is remembered for his steady leadership during political transitions, his long tenure in the Senate, and his influence on European policy during a transformative period in French history.

### Did Alain Poher receive any honors or awards?
Yes, he received several honors, including the Knight of the Legion of Honour, Croix de guerre 1939–1945, Resistance Medal, Ernst Reuter Medal, Robert Schuman Medal, and Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

## Why They Matter
Alain Poher's influence on French politics spans several decades, particularly during the post-war era and the transition into modern European governance. His role as interim President during two critical moments in French history helped ensure political continuity. His long-standing leadership in the Senate and advocacy for European integration left a lasting mark on France's domestic and international policies. Without his stabilizing influence, the political landscape during those transitional periods might have been significantly more turbulent.

## Notable For
- Serving as interim President of France twice (1969, 1974)
- Longest-serving President of the French Senate (1968–1992)
- Advocating for European integration and cooperation
- Recipient of the Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Awarded the Croix de guerre 1939–1945 for wartime service
- Honored with the Resistance Medal for contributions during World War II
- Received the Ernst Reuter Medal from Berlin
- Recognized with the Robert Schuman Medal for European peace efforts
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Alain Poher was born on April 17, 1909, in Ablon-sur-Seine, France. He pursued his education at some of France's most prestigious institutions:
- Lycée Louis-le-Grand
- Lycée Saint-Louis
- Mines ParisTech
- Sciences Po

These institutions provided him with a strong foundation in law, engineering, and political science, which would later inform his legislative and executive roles.

### Political Career
Alain Poher's political career began in earnest in the mid-20th century, and he quickly rose through the ranks of French governance:
- Elected to the French Senate in 1946
- Became President of the Senate in 1968, a position he held until 1992
- Served as interim President of France in 1969 following Charles de Gaulle's resignation
- Again served as interim President in 1974 after Georges Pompidou's death

His tenure as President of the Senate was one of the longest in French history, during which he played a key role in shaping legislative policy and maintaining political stability.

### Contributions to European Integration
Poher was a strong advocate for European integration and played a significant role in France's engagement with the European community. His efforts helped to solidify France's position as a leader in European policy-making and diplomatic cooperation.

### Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Alain Poher received numerous awards and honors that recognized his service and contributions:
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Croix de guerre 1939–1945
- Resistance Medal
- Ernst Reuter Medal
- Robert Schuman Medal
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic

These honors reflect his dedication to public service, peace, and international cooperation.

### Legacy
Alain Poher's legacy is rooted in his commitment to democratic governance, political stability, and European unity. His leadership during times of national transition ensured continuity and helped shape modern French political institutions. His influence extended beyond France, contributing to the broader European project and international diplomacy.

He passed away on December 9, 1996, leaving behind a significant impact on French political history. His work continues to be recognized for its role in shaping contemporary France and its place in Europe.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. senat.fr
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. quirinale.it
6. [Nationaal Archief](https://www.nationaalarchief.nl/onderzoeken/index/nt00435)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. CiNii Research
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. GeneaStar
11. Munzinger Personen
12. Roglo
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](http://catalogo.pusc.it/cgi-bin/koha/opac-authoritiesdetail.pl?authid=114345)
15. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
16. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File