BOULIN, ROBERT (FRANCE)

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06891271
• 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: April 19, 1979

Approved for Release: 2021/07/29 C06891271
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� Robert BOULIN
(Phonetic: booLAN)
Minister of Labor
(since April 1978)
Addressed as:
Mr. Minister
A longtime Gaullist
moderate who has served
with distinction under
four prime ministers,
Robert Boulin has held
eight different Cabinet
posts during the past 18
years. He has set a new
French record for minis-
terial longevity and is
especially proud of his 13 years (1961-73) of
consecutive service in Gaullist governments.
Formerly �Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister
in Charge of Economy and Finance (1977-78), Boulin
is knowledgeable about France's controversial
economic policies, and his mastery of technical
issues enables him to speak clearly and convinc-
ingly on many economic issues. A firm, skillful
negotiator, Boulin currently has the unenviable
task of curbing France's growing social and labor
unrest, which has resulted, in part, from record-
breaking unemployment (now at 1.3 million) and
concern for job security. He apparently does not
expect unemployment to stabilize before the end of
1,979, but the March .1979 unemployment compensa-
tion agreement has at least brightened prospects
for improved labor-management relations in France.
FRANCE
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He apparently has a reputation as a (b)(3)
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
(cont.)
CR M 79-12105
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the social security program. He also :devoted much
time and energy to fighting France's growing drug
problem. Because of his flair for public relations
and his well-refined talents as a conciliator,
Boulin twice was given the important post of Min-
ister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Parlia-
mentary Relations (1972-73, 1976-77).
Background
During World War II, Boulin served with Gen.
Charles de Gaulle and was active in the Resistance.
Educated in law, he has practiced in the city of
Libourne, where he has also been mayor since 1959.
Boulin first entered the National Assembly in
1958, as a deputy from Gironde, and he has been
reelected ever since. He has had to forgo his
parliamentary mandate, however, in order to serve
in the Cabinet. Boulin's earlier Cabinet posts
included those of Secretary of State for Repatria-
tion (1961-62), Secretary of State for Budget
(1962-66), Secretary of State for Economy and
Finance (1967-68), and Minister of Civil Service
(1968). Also active in business affairs, he has
served as a hi h-ranking executive in the Perrier
beverage firm.
Personal Data
The 58-year-old Boulin is married to the
former Colette Lalande. They have two grown
children, Bertrand and Fabienne. For relaxation,
7
Boulin enjoys horseback idina. His proficiency
in English is not known.
19 April 1979
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