Poincaré, Raymond Nicolas Landry (1860–1934)

French moderate republican politician and president 1913–20. He served as prime minister and foreign minister 1912–13, 1922–24 (when he ordered the occupation of the German Ruhr in lieu of reparations for war damage), and 1926–29 (when he successfully stabilized the franc).

Born in Lorraine where he had lived under German occupation following France's defeat in 1870, Poincaré represented the Meuse as deputy 1887–93, and senator 1903–13 and 1920–29. With a reputation for integrity and hardwork, Poincaré had chosen to devote himself to his practice at the Paris Bar after early ministerial success 1893–95, but was called upon to serve his country at the highest levels in successive times of crisis. Poor health forced his retirement from politics in 1929.