Edith Cresson for PM

1991 France has its first woman prime minister. Socialist president Francois Mitterand announced today that Edith Cresson will replace the unpopular Michel Rocard, who has been dismissed. Mrs Cresson’s appointment gives Mitterand’s government a new elan and, yes, glamour which were distinctly lacking. “ Life is hellish for a woman in politics unless she is elderly and ugly,” she told an interviewer today. Cresson is neither of those she’s an elegant redhead of 57 and doesn’t look at all like a grandmother, though she is one. She is also a tough customer. Mitterand dubbed her his “little soldier” because of her records for taking on the worst task and winning. Cresson was Minister for European Affairs, and previously for Trade. She has pushed an aggressive trade policy to put France’s exports on the map. Now she faces a recession and rising unemployment and the task of rallying a sagging socialist vote before the next elections. But Cresson appears to relish the prospect.