Dominque de Villepin
From AICbackground
Dominique de Villepin
French Prime Minister
"As I have said, on the Palestinian side it’s obviously essential to fight against the terrorist attacks, and ensure the pursuit of the reform process which will allow the Palestinians to take control of their own destiny. On the Israeli side, some strong gestures are also essential, such as the halting, freezing of the settlements programme, withdrawal from the Territories and restoration of normal daily life to the Palestinians."
"The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become a symbol of the fault lines in the world. The impasse is fuelling the frustration, hijacked by international terrorism which is radicalizing everyone's fears. It is increasing the feeling of injustice we have to fight. Since there has to be justice for everyone, not just for some."
‘‘(E)veryone has to do his part: on the Israeli side, by renouncing its policy of settlements, gradually withdrawing from the autonomous areas and allowing normal life to resume in the territories; on the Palestinian side, rejecting violence and continuing with reforms."
Early Years and Education
You were born in Rabat, Morocco in 1953. You spent much of your childhood in Latin America. You come from a wealthy, aristocratic background rich with public servitude. You are the son of Yvonne Hetier, a senior administrative court counsel, and of Xaviwe de Villepin, senator representing French expatriates. You earned bachelor’s degrees in Arts and Literature from the University of Paris II Pantheon-Assa and Paris X Nanterre, respectively. You continued your studies at the Paris Institute for Political Studies and went on to the Ecole nationale d'administration, France's prestigious graduate school which trains its top civil servants.
Public Life
You began a civil service career in 1980 with the French Foreign ministry, focusing on African and Malagasy affairs. This lasted until 1984, when you moved to Washington to work with the French ambassador to the United States. In 1989 you took a similar position with the French Embassy in New Delhi, India. In 1992 you were named top advisor for African affairs and held this post for a year before becoming chief of staff for French Foreign minister Alain Juppe. This appointment led you to the position as director of Jacques Chirac’s campaign in 1995. You served as Secretary General of the presidency until 2002, when you began a stint as Foreign minister. This post lasted until March 2004, when you became Interior Minister. In May of 2005 you took your current post as French Prime Minister. Many have speculated that you are being groomed as a successor to current president Jacque Chirac, with whom you are very close. Your critics, many of whom are on your political side, point to your aristocratic background and lack of ever holding an elected post as causes for concern. They also point out your lack of experience with grassroots politics. For these reasons you have been described as aloof, arrogant, and in some cases even incompetent. Chirac, however, speaks highly of you. He said in an interview recently: "De Villepin catches on with fantastic speed. It is rare to meet a man like him."
Domestic Issues of Concern
Unemployment is your chief concern in France. You stated in your first general policy statement as Prime Minister: ‘All the energies of my government will be committed to this battle.’ You have argued that the current guidelines for employment are too rigid and therefore discourage a large population from seeking employment. Cracking down on illegal immigration and radical Islam are also issues of concern, the latter of which you have been most vocal about. Specifically, you caused an outcry in the French Muslim community when you tried to expel an imam who taught that unfaithful women should be whipped and stoned. When the courts overturned the decision you pushed through a change of legislation and the imam was sent home. You have stated repeatedly that radical Islam breeds terror. You recently met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss the possibility of European countries sharing intelligence on militant Muslims. You have a deep love and concern for France, as you recently wrote in a book: ‘Today orphaned, faltering, easily disillusioned, France still burns with a desire for history: she has kept intact the flame of a great nation, fervent defender of her status.’
Foreign Relations
France generally aligns itself with the European Union on most issues of foreign policy. However, this relationship was recently strained when France refused to ratify the proposed EU constitution in May 2005. After the rejection, you stated: ‘France, a founding country, will occupy a full place in the Union. It will respect its commitments. It will continue to pull the European adventure upwards.’ France’s relationship with the United States is officially a friendly one, but tensions surfaced in 2003 when you made a public speech in which you vehemently opposed the invasion of Iraq, thus spearheading the international opposition to the war. The speech, given before the United Nations, provoked loud applause and is regarded by some as a historic moment in the history of the U.N. France’s ties with Israel have also come under fire in recent years. Ariel Sharon recently accused France of ‘the wildest Anti-Semitism,’ and urged the 500,000 Jews in France to immigrate. This came in response to a series of anti-Semitic acts of violence in France. Furthermore, Israel openly expressed its disapproval of your speaking out against the Iraq War. Still, you have stated your desire to maintain good relations with Israel. Since Sharon’s accusation Israeli officials have applauded French efforts to quell anti-Semitic violence, and Sharon has tried to justify his comments with a broader campaign to attract one million Jews to Israel over the next fifteen years. Still, you have not come out in full support of the Israelis with regard to Palestine. As your first quote indicates, you sympathize with the Palestinian cause. France is in full support of Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, but insist that this is merely one step in the peace process. France’s support of the Palestinians is no secret as it has done much to build the infrastructure there, to the tune of roughly 25 million Euros per year. This aid includes building houses, increasing supply of drinking water, and providing educational assistance.
Role Playing Notes
You are a confident, idealistic, and highly intelligent man with the interests of France at the forefront of your mind. These next few years are crucial for you, as you want to gain enough support to succeed Chirac. You are a man of many interests, having published books on Napoleon and contemporary French culture. You also self-published a book of original poetry. Because of your close relationship with Chirac and the potential to succeed him, you follow his lead on most issues. Your opposition to the United States shows your willingness to stand up for your beliefs. The Arab-Israeli conflict is of importance to you and you believe peace is achievable. Your sympathy towards the Palestinians is evident, and you will not be afraid to defend their rights if Israel or the United States neglects their wishes.
References
http://www.un.int/france/documents
http://www.france.diplomatie.fr/frmonde/index.gb.html
http://www.premierministre.gouv.fr/en/information/latest_news_97/change_of_government_appointment_53141.html /upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Dominique_villepin.jpg
http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=4227978
