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Ex-French PM Raymond Barre dies Ex-French PM Raymond Barre dies
(40 minutes later)
Former French Prime Minister Raymond Barre has died, aged 83.Former French Prime Minister Raymond Barre has died, aged 83.
The centrist politician served in the post for five years from 1976-81, under the presidency of Valery Giscard d'Estaing.The centrist politician served in the post for five years from 1976-81, under the presidency of Valery Giscard d'Estaing.
Earlier in his career he was vice-president of the European Commission and was also mayor of Lyon from 1995-2001.Earlier in his career he was vice-president of the European Commission and was also mayor of Lyon from 1995-2001.
He died in a Parisian hospital. He had been receiving treatment for a heart condition since April.He died in a Parisian hospital. He had been receiving treatment for a heart condition since April.
Barre was little-known until he was appointed by President Giscard d'Estaing to succeed Jacques Chirac in 1976.Barre was little-known until he was appointed by President Giscard d'Estaing to succeed Jacques Chirac in 1976.
Dubbed "France's best economist" by the president, Barre cut thousands of jobs in the loss-making steel and coal industries.Dubbed "France's best economist" by the president, Barre cut thousands of jobs in the loss-making steel and coal industries.
He remained in power until the Socialist victory of 1981 brought Francois Mitterrand to the presidency.He remained in power until the Socialist victory of 1981 brought Francois Mitterrand to the presidency.

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