Biography and Political Career
Poher was born in Ablon-sur-Seine, Val-de-Marne.
He graduated from the Lycée Louis-le-Grand and the Lycée Saint-Louis in Paris and later studied law. On 19 August 1938 he married Henriette Tugler, with whom he had one daughter, Marie-Agnès.
His political career began in 1938, when he became a junior executive officer in the Ministry of Finance.
Later he served on several positions before entering Senate:
- Chairman, Ministry of Finance Liberation Committee (from 20 July 1944)
- Head of Social Services, Ministry of Finance (from 1 January 1945)
- Mayor of Ablon-sur-Seine (from 1 January 1946)
- Sec. of State for Finance and Economic Affairs (Govt. of Robert Schuman)
- Sec. of State for the Budget (Govt. of Henri Queuille)
A longtime ally and political protégé of Schumann, Poher was elected to the Senate in 1952, where he remained for over 40 years (until 1995). As Senator he continued to serve in some governments and his home town mayor. Like Schuman, he was known for strongly pro-European integration positions, having served as President of the European Parliament (1968–1969).
Read more about this topic: Alain Poher
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