BOULIN, ROBERT (FRANCE)

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06891270
• 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 14, 1978

Approved for Release: 2021/07/29 C06891270
Robert BOULIN
(Phonetic: booLAN)
Minister of Labor
(since April 1978)
Addressed as:
Mr. Minister
A well-known polit-
ical figure who has served
with distinction under
four prime ministers, -
Robert Boulin has held
eight different Cabinet
posts during the last 17
years'. Before assuming
his current portfolio, he
worked closely With Prime
Minister Raymond Barre as
Minister Delegate to the
Prime Minister in Charge of Economy and Finance
(1977-78). A longtime Gaullist, Boulin is politi-
cally allied with Jacques Chaban-Delmas, a liberal
Gaullist whom be backed for the Presidency against
ValOry Giscard d'Estaing in 1974. Boulin neverthe-
less has Giscard's confidence, and like the Presi-
dent, he would like to see a broadening toward the
center-left of the present majority coalition of
Gauilists, Republicans and Centrists.
t4r
FRANCE
A Firm and Skillful Negotiator
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), hp 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
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 (1972-73,
1976-77).
(cont.)
CR M 78-14889
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Career
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 is especially proud of
his 13 years (1961-73) of consecutive service in
Gaullist Cabinets, a record unequaled by any other
party member. His earlier Cabinet posts include
those of Secretary of State for Repatriation
(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 high-ranking executive in the Perrier beverage
firm.
The 58-year-old Boulin is married to the
former Colette Lalande. They have two grown
children, Bertrand and Fabienne. For relaxation,
Boulin enjoys horseback riding. His proficiency
in English is not known.
14 September 1-978
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