Born in La Bouillie, Côtes-d'Armor, the son of tenant farmers, Hervé graduated in public law at the University of Rennes and also has a graduate degree in political science.

Hervé made his way in politics through activism and became the mayor of Rennes in 1977.

He started an innovative urban policy which he carried on fervently: social mix, support for cultural activities, ecology, development of public transportation (see Rennes Metro).

As Secretary of Health in the Fabius government, he was found guilty on 3 March 1999 by the court of justice of the Republic in the case of contaminated blood but has been dispensed from any punishment.

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