1972, Baccalaureate in Philosophy; 1976, Master's in Public Law, Université du Maine, Le Mans; 1977, DEA in public law, Université René Descartes, Paris. 1993, Minister of Higher Education and Research; 1995: Minister for Information Technology and Post Office, included reform of France Telecom; Minister Delegate, responsible for Post Office, Telecommunications and Space; 2002-04, Minister of Social Affairs, Labour and Solidarity, including reform of pensions system; 2004-05, Minister for National Education, Higher Education and Research; 2004-07, Political Adviser to Nicolas Sarkozy at Union for Popular Movement political party; since May 2007, Prime Minister. Interests: skiing, hiking, motor racing, running, mountain biking, cinema, reading.