Jean-Claude Juncker

Jean-Claude Juncker (born December 9, 1954) is the Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Luxembourg, and until July 1, 2005, was president of the European Council, a position he also previously held in 1997. He was succeeded by British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Related Topics:
December 9 - 1954 - Luxembourg - July 1 - 2005 - European Council - 1997 - British Prime Minister - Tony Blair

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He studied law at the University of Strasbourg and is a barrister. He became an MP in 1984, and then became a minister later that year. He was appointed Finance Minister on July 13, 1989, and Prime Minister on January 20 1995, in both positions to succeed Jacques Santer.

Related Topics:
University of Strasbourg - Barrister - 1984 - Finance Minister - July 13 - 1989 - Prime Minister - January 20 - 1995 - Jacques Santer

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He is a member of the Christian Social People's Party. His government survived parliamentary elections in June 1999 and June 2004. The CPSP won 19 of the 60 seats in 1999, and gained 5 seats in 2004 for a total of 24. The gains are partly due to Juncker's popularity. Although he is talked about as a prospective new president of the European Commission, he has consistently denied wanting to leave his job as prime minister of Luxembourg.

Related Topics:
Christian Social People's Party - 1999 - 2004 - European Commission

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On September 10, 2004 Mr Juncker became the semi-permanent President of the group of finance ministers from the 12 countries that share the euro, a role dubbed "Mr Euro". His new role will provide a link between the euro zone and the European Central Bank and he will chair the monthly meetings of the group.

Related Topics:
September 10 - 2004 - Euro - Mr Euro - European Central Bank

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Juncker is currently the longest-serving political leader of all the 25 EU member states.

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