Cresson, Edith (1934- )

French socialist politican, the first woman prime minister of France 1991-92. A longstanding supporter of François Mitterrand, she served under his presidency as minister for agriculture 1981-83, tourism 1983-84, trade 1984-86, and European affairs 1988-90. Outspoken in promoting and protecting French trade, her government lacked clear direction and proved unpopular. Replaced as prime minister by former finance minister Pierre Bérégovoy, Cresson was appointed to the European Commission in 1994. In February 2000 she faced allegations of fraud dating back to her term as education minister, during which time it was claimed that she received large payments from Elf, a French oil company. After Belgium submitted a request to the European Commission, Cresson lost her parliamentary immunity from prosecution.

Cresson was not the only minister alleged to have received illegal payments from Elf. Roland Dumas, the president of France's Constitutional Council, was under investigation for his involvement with the company while foreign minister.