The head of the government of France has been called the prime minister of France (French: Premier ministre) since 1959, when Michel Debré became the first officeholder appointed under the Fifth Republic.
During earlier periods of history, the head of government of France was known by different titles.
As was common in European democracies of the 1815–1958 period (the Bourbon Restoration and July Monarchy, the Second, Third, and Fourth Republic, as well as the Vichy regime), the head of government was called President of the Council of Ministers (Président du Conseil des ministres), generally shortened to President of the council (Président du Conseil).
The chief ministers (principal ministres) of certain kings of France nonetheless led the government de facto.
Independent Orléanist Doctrinaires/Movement Party Resistance Party Until 1942, Marshal Philippe Pétain served as Chief of State and nominal President of the Council of Ministers.