Jacques Lucien Jean Delors (born July 20 1925 in Paris) is a French economist and politician, the only person to have served two terms as President of the European Commission (between 1985 and 1995). In the 1940s–1960s, Delors held a series of posts in French banking and state planning. Member of the French Confederation of Christian Workers, he participated in its secularization and the foundation of the French Democratic Confederation of Labour. In 1969, he became an adviser to the Gaullist Prime Minister Jacques Chaban-Delmas. In 1974, Delors joined the French Socialist Party, with other left-wing Christians. He was one of the rare members of the party to be openly religious, thus challenging its long-standing secular tradition. He served in the European Parliament from 1979 to 1981. Under President François Mitterrand, Delors served as Economics and Finance Minister from 1981–1983, and Economics, Finance, and Budget Minister from 1983–1984. He advocated a pause in the social policies, a clear acceptance of the market economy, and an alignment with European social democracy. Mitterrand flirted many times with the idea of naming him Prime Minister, but never did. Delors became the President of the European Commission in 1985. During his presidency, he oversaw important budgetary reforms and laid the groundwork for the introduction of a single market within the European Community, which came into effect on January 1, 1993. On November 1, 1990, Delors was at the brunt of British Euroscepticism when the tabloid the Sun wrote "Up Yours Delors" in response to his supposed attempts to force the Maastricht Treaty upon the UK. Delors is the father of Socialist politician Martine Aubry. (via Wikipedia)

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About Jacques Delors

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Title: 8th President of the European Commission

Preceded By: Gaston Thorn

Succeeded By: Jacques Santer

Political party: Parti Socialiste (PS)

Name: Jacques Delors

Religion: Roman Catholic

Birthplace: Paris, France

End Date: Jan 1, 1995

Birth Date: Jul 20, 1925

Start: 1985

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