candidate for the presidential election of 2012. Political profile Jean-Pierre Chevènement is a souverainist and patriotic left-wing politician, a kind of left-wing gaullist. In consequences, he is opposed to European federalism because of a possible disappearance of nations and the creation of a non-democratic construction led by non-elected technocrats. He calls for a transformation of the single currency (Euro) into a common currency, allowing countries to adapt and control their economies, but also allowing EU to have a single voice in the world. Indeed, he has criticized the bad influence of a strong currency on other countries of Europe such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal. In office he defended the "French status" in NATO: i.e. outside the integrated military command. He opposed rejoining it in 2009. He defends a strict separation of church and state in addition to his vision of a harmonious nation-state, being against communitarianism and for cultural assimilation. Political career Governmental functions Minister of State Minister of Research and Technology : 1981–1982 Minister of State, Minister of Industry Research : 1982–1983 Minister of National Education : 1984–1986 Minister of Defense : 1988–1991 Minister of Interior : 1997–2000 Electoral mandates National Assembly of France Member of the National Assembly of France for Territoire de Belfort (1st then 2nd constituency from 1988 to 2002) : 1973–1981 (Became minister in 1981) / 1986–1988 (Became minister in 1988) / 1991–1997 (Became minister in 1997) / 2000–2002. Elected in 1973, reelected in 1978, 1981, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000. Senate of France Senator of Territoire de Belfort : Since 2008. Regional Council President of the Regional Council of Franche-Comté : 1981–1982. Regional councillor of Franche-Comté : 1974–1988 (Resignation). Elected in 1986. Municipal Council Mayor of Belfort : 1983–1997 (Resignation) / 2001–2007 (Resignation). Reelected in 1989, 1995, 2001. 1st deputy-mayor of Belfort : 1977–1983 / 1997–2001. Reelected in 1997. Municipal councillor of Belfort : 1977–2008. Reelected in 1983, 1989, 1995, 2001. Agglomeration community Council President of the Agglomeration community of Belfort : 1977–2008. Reelected in 1983, 1989, 1995, 2001. Member of the Agglomeration community of Belfort : 1977–2008. Reelected in 1983, 1989, 1995, 2001. Political functions President of the Citizen and Republican Movement : Since 2008. References 1939 births Living people Politicians from Belfort French people of Swiss descent French Section of the Workers' International politicians Socialist Party (France) politicians Citizen and Republican Movement politicians French Ministers of National Education French