BOULIN, ROBERT (FRANCE)

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06891268
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: July 30, 2021
• Case Number: F-2021-00409
• Publication Date: September 15, 1977

Approved for Release: 2021/07/29 C06891268
Minister Delegate
the Prime Minister in
Charge of Economy and
Finance (since March
1977)
Minister for Parlia-
mentary Relations in
Prime Minister Raymond
Barre's first Cabinet
(August 1976-March 1977),
Robert Boulin is a well-
known national political
figure who has served with distinction under four
previous Prime Ministers. No stranger to the world
of economy and finance, he is a former Secretary of
State for the Budget (1962-66) and for Economy and
Finance (1967-68). Boulin is a longtime Gaullist,
and he is politically allied�With�Jacques Chaban-
Delmas, whom he backed for the Presidency against
Val6ry Giscard d'Estaing in 1974. Boulin never-
theless.has the confidence of Giscard and, like the
President, would like to see a broadening toward
the center-left of the present majority coalition
of Gaullists, Republicans and Centrists.
He apparently has a reputation as a
dynamic and resourceful politician, ready to take
the risks involved in tackling difficult problems.
As Agriculture Minister (1968-69), he was noted for
his courage in proposing much needed but unpopular
reforms to encourage marginal producers to leave
the soil and seek more useful occupations. With
the equally difficult portfolio of Public Health
and Social Security (1969-72), he was able to bring
about a minireform, known as the Boulin Plan, within
the social security program. He also devoted much
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(b)(3)
time and energy to fighting France's growing
drug problem. Because of his well-refined talents
as a conciliator, Boulin twice was given the
important post of Minister Delegate to the Prime
Minister for Parliamentary Relations.
Background
Boulin served with Gen. Charles de Gaulle
and was active in the Resistance during World War II.
Educated in law, he has practiced his art for over 30
years in the city of Libourne, where he has also been
mayor since 1959. He was elected to the National
Assembly from Gironde as a-Gaullist in 1958 and
has blen returned to that body in every succeeding
election. Boulin, however, is especially proud of
his 13.years (1961-73) of consecutive service in
Gaullist Cabinets, a record unequaled by any
other party member. He has also been active in
business affairs, most notably as a high-ranking ex-
ecutive of the Perrier beverage firm. For relaxation
he enjoys horseback riding. Married, he has a grown
son and daughter. Boulin's proficiency in English
is not known. He is 56 years old.
Career Highlights
1958-61; 1973-76
1961-62
1962-66
1967-68
May-Jul 1968
1968-69
1969-72
Deputy, National Assembly
Secretary of State for
Repatriation
Secretary of State for Budget
Secretary of State for
Economy and Finance
1972-73; Aug 1976-
Mar 1977
30 Mar 1977-date
Minister of Civil Service
Minister of Agriculture
Minister of Public Health
and Social Security
Minister Delegate to the Prime
Minister for Parliamentary
Relations
-
Minister Delegate to the Prime.
Minister for Economy and Finance
15 September 1977'
(b)(3)
Approved for Release: 2021/07/29 C06891268