Quick Facts
Biography
Franck Borotra (born 30 August 1937) is a French politician, member of the Rally for the Republic party (French: Rassemblement pour la République French pronunciation: [ʁa.sɑ̃.blə.mɑ̃.puʁ.la.ʁe.pyˈblik]; RPR French pronunciation: [ɛr.peˈɛr]). He served as Minister of Posts, Telegraphs, and Telephones from 7 November 1995 to 2 June 1997 under the government of Prime Minister Alain Juppé and was a member of the National Assembly from 1986 to 2002. He also served as President of the Departmental Council of Yvelines and Deputy Mayor of the city of Versailles. Despite his long career in local and national politics, Mr. Borotra is little known among the French public.
Early life and family
Franck Borotra was born on 30 August 1937 in Nantes, in the Loire-Atlantique department situated on the west coast of France. He was trained as an engineer. Before entering politics, he worked in an oil refinery in Dunkirk, France. In a 2013 public appearance, he said that it was a visit by former French President Charles de Gaulle to the oil refinery that motivated him to join politics.
He is the twin brother of Didier Borotra, (Democratic Movement - MoDem), former French Senator and Mayor of Biarritz, France. His is also the father of French actress Claire Borotra and the nephew of French tennis player and politician Jean Borotra.
Political career
- Municipal Council Member:
- 1983 to 1995: Deputy Mayor of Versailles, in charge of external cooperation and sports;
- Departmental Council Member:
- 1988 to 2005: Departmental Council Member of Vélizy-Villacoublay;
- 1994 to 2005: President of the Departmental Council of Yvelines;
- Member of the National Assembly:
- 2 April 1986 to 14 May 1988;
- 13 June 1988 to 1 April 1993;
- 2 avril 1993 to 4 December 1995: resignation 4 December 1995;
- 26 February 1996 (special elections) to 26 March 1996: abandoned duties to assume ministerial position;
- 1 June 1997 to 18 June 2002.
Retirement
In February 2002, Franck Borotra announced that he would not seek reelection in the 2002 legislative elections in a press release to his supporters. Referring to his career as an engineer and then his engagement in politics, Mr. Borotra said in the press release: "I've already had two lives and I will have a third." In 2005, he gave up his last elected mandate as President of the Departmental Council of Yvelines. He has largely withdrawn from the public eye since leaving politics, only rarely appearing for public events.