(E) Great political leaders are the ones that will have or had a long-term impact on the well-being of a nation and its citizens. Their policies and actions created the best possible outcomes for their citizens despite many challenging environments and obstacles that had to be overcome. They had the courage and the integrity to stand up for what they believe is or was right for their country.

I must say that there are few political leaders whose have been a source of reflection for me. Probably John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, Simone Veil, and Angela Merkel are the only few ones.

I admired in President Giscard d’Estaing, his great intelligence, his deep dedication to his country, his understanding of world economies, his leadership to invest in technology and infrastructure, and his willingness to help the French society to evolve on many liberal and social issues.

On the economic side, he is the one behind the construction of the European Community and the Ecu (now call the Euro) with Chancelor Helmut Schmidt. He contributed also to the creation of the G7 (which became G8 and is now the G20).

On the technology and infrastructure side, he is the one behind the large penetration of the telephone in each French household, the creation of the Minitel, the creation of the TGV, the investment in nuclear power as France’s main energy source.

On the social side, he is the one with his Health Minister Simone Veil who significantly improved women rights in the French society.

And, he made the Gare D’Orsay one of the most beautiful museums of Paris.

Merci Monsieur Le President!

Note: The picture above is Valéry Giscard d’Estaing.

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