Robert Lacoste

He studied at the law school in Paris, and became a civil servant and CGT trade unionist.

He also promoted accelerated social and economic programmes, highlighted by his efforts to "Algerianise" the administration.

He increased Algeria's départements to twelve and drafted the Loi Cadre (enabling or framework law) designed to enhance internal autonomy and Muslim representation.

From 1971 to 1980, he was elected socialist senator of the Dordogne, assuming from 1974 to 1979 the vice-presidency of the regional council of Aquitaine.

He was Secretary General of Industrial Production from 26 August to 4 September 1944 and then Minister of Industrial Production from 10 September 1944 to 11 August 1947, also serving as Minister of Work and Social Security (temporary) under the government of Paul Ramadier from 4 to 9 May 1947.