A republican politician who became an architect of Vichy collaboration
In 1942, while calling for labor mobilization, he publicly declared that he desired a German victory.
Pierre Laval began as a lawyer and Socialist politician, then moved rightward and became a leading minister and prime minister of the Third Republic. After France's defeat in 1940, he helped secure Pétain's full powers and the dismantling of the constitutional order, making himself central to the Vichy regime. He believed collaboration with Germany could preserve France's position, and after returning to power in 1942 he expanded labor provision and police cooperation. Convicted of treason after liberation, he was executed in 1945.
Career Timeline
- 1903–1922Socialist activist and lawyer
- 1914–1919Deputy in the Chamber of Deputies
- 1923–1944Mayor of Aubervilliers
- 1931–1932President of the Council
- 1934–1936Foreign minister and President of the Council
- 1940.06–1940.12Vice-President of the Vichy Council of Ministers
- 1942.04–1944.08Head of the Vichy government
- 1945Tried by the High Court and executed