# Michel Debré

> 79th Prime Minister of France (1912-1996)

**Wikidata**: [Q296386](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q296386)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Debré)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/michel-debre

## Summary
Michel Debré was a French politician and lawyer who served as the 79th Prime Minister of France from 1959 to 1962. A key figure in the establishment of the Fifth Republic, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern French governance and institutions.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 15, 1912
- **Nationality**: French
- **Education**: 
  - Lycée Louis-le-Grand
  - Sciences Po
  - University of Paris
- **Known for**: Architect of the Fifth Republic, Prime Minister of France
- **Employer(s)**: 
  - French Government
  - Académie Française
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Law, Diplomacy

## Contributions
- **Fifth Republic Constitution**: Debré was instrumental in drafting the 1958 Constitution, which established the semi-presidential system of the Fifth Republic.
- **Prime Minister (1959–1962)**: As Prime Minister under Charles de Gaulle, he implemented policies to stabilize the French economy and address colonial conflicts, notably the Algerian War.
- **Legislative Reforms**: Introduced measures to modernize French law, including reforms to the judicial system and administrative structures.
- **Académie Française Membership**: Elected in 1962, he contributed to the preservation and promotion of the French language.

## FAQs
**What were Michel Debré's key roles in French politics?**  
Debré served as Prime Minister from 1959 to 1962 and was a principal architect of the Fifth Republic's Constitution, which redefined France's governance structure.

**Where was Michel Debré educated?**  
He studied at prestigious institutions including Lycée Louis-le-Grand, Sciences Po, and the University of Paris.

**What awards did Michel Debré receive?**  
He was honored as a Commander of the Legion of Honour and received the Croix de guerre 1939–1945 for his military service during World War II.

**What other organizations was Michel Debré affiliated with?**  
Debré was a member of the Académie Française and participated in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

## Why They Matter
Michel Debré's contributions were foundational to the political stability of modern France. His role in crafting the Fifth Republic's Constitution ensured a robust governmental framework, transitioning France from the tumultuous Fourth Republic. His leadership during the Algerian crisis and economic reforms set precedents for future governance. Without Debré's efforts, France's current semi-presidential system and its global influence might have developed differently.

## Notable For
- **Architect of the Fifth Republic**: Key drafter of the 1958 Constitution.
- **Prime Ministerial Tenure**: Led the government during a critical period of decolonization and constitutional transition.
- **Military Decorations**: Recipient of the Croix de guerre 1939–1945.
- **Academic Distinctions**: Member of the Académie Française, reflecting his intellectual and cultural impact.
- **Legislative Legacy**: Reforms in law and administration that modernized French institutions.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Michel Debré was born on January 15, 1912. He pursued his education at renowned French institutions: Lycée Louis-le-Grand, Sciences Po, and the University of Paris, laying the groundwork for his future political and legal career.

### Political Career
Debré's political ascent began with his involvement in drafting the Constitution of the Fifth Republic in 1958. This document established the semi-presidential system that remains in place today. As Prime Minister from 1959 to 1962, he navigated France through the Algerian War, advocating for policies that balanced national unity with colonial realities. His tenure also focused on economic stabilization and institutional reform.

### Legal and Institutional Reforms
Beyond his executive role, Debré spearheaded legislative modernization. His reforms targeted the judicial system and administrative efficiency, aiming to align French institutions with the demands of a contemporary republic. These efforts solidified his reputation as a pragmatic reformer.

### Cultural and Academic Engagement
Elected to the Académie Française in 1962, Debré contributed to linguistic and cultural preservation, underscoring his commitment to France's intellectual heritage. This dual engagement in politics and academia highlighted his multifaceted influence on French society.

### Military Service and Honors
A veteran of World War II, Debré was awarded the Croix de guerre 1939–1945. Later, he was honored as a Commander of the Legion of Honour, recognizing his distinguished service to the state.

### Legacy
Debré's legacy is intertwined with the Fifth Republic's endurance. His constitutional work and crisis leadership ensured a stable foundation for modern France, influencing subsequent political generations. His blend of legal acumen and political pragmatism remains a benchmark for French statesmanship.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. BnF authorities
4. senat.fr
5. Members of the European Parliament
6. pace.coe.int
7. [academie-francaise.fr](http://www.academie-francaise.fr/les-immortels/michel-debre?fauteuil=1&election=24-03-1988)
8. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20180628064732/http://www.lesecrivainscombattants.fr/14-prix/69-prix-henry-malherbe)
9. International Standard Name Identifier
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. CiNii Research
12. [Source](https://www.siv.archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr/siv/IR/FRAN_IR_057340)
13. [Source](http://chsp.sciences-po.fr/fond-archive/debre-michel)
14. Sycomore
15. SNAC
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17. Discogs
18. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
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20. Roglo
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25. Munzinger Personen
26. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
27. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive
28. LIBRIS. 2018