Dominique villepin

Dominique de Villepin (born Dominique Marie Fran�ois Ren� Galouzeau de Villepin (IPA-frd?minik d? vilp??-Fr-Dominique de Villepin.ogg; born 14 November 1953) served as the Prime Minister of France from 31 May 2005 to 17 May 2007.

A career diplomat, Villepin rose through the ranks of the French right as one of Jacques Chiracs prot�g�s. He came into the international spotlight as Foreign Minister (Foreign Minister (France)) with his opposition to the 2003 invasion of Iraq which culminated with a speech to the United Nations (French address on Iraq at the UN Security Council (s:French address on Iraq at the UN Security Council)).

Villepin was indicted (Indictment) in connection with the Clearstream affair, but was subsequently cleared of charges of complicity in allowing false accusations to proceed against presidential rival Nicolas Sarkozy regarding bribes paid on a sale of warships to Taiwan. Recently, however, Villepin has enjoyed a modest return to public favour for his public critique of President Sarkozys style of "imperial rule."Cite newstitle=Top politicians warn of Sarkozy the monarch date=2008-02-18 accessdate=2008-02-18 work=The Independenturl= location=London first=John last=Lichfield

His lyrical texts and passion for France won him awards in 2001 for his book about the last 100 days of Napoleons rule, entitled Les Cent-jours, ou Lesprit de sacrifice. He has written poetry, a book about poetry, and several historical and political essays, along with a study of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Villepin is an Honorary Member of The International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation.

One of the most important right-wing opponents of President Nicolas Sarkozy, he is considered as potential candidate for President of France in 2012 (French presidential election 2012).Cite newstitle= Dominique de Villepin souhaite pouvoir �tre candidat en 2012date=2009-04-24accessdate=2009-04-24work=NouvelObsurl=On 25 March 2010, he announced that he would form a new center-right political movement in order to offer an alternative to Mr. Sarkozy in the 2012 elections. The party will be formally launched on June 19, one day after the anniversary of General de Gaulles "Appeal of June 18" in 1940.