Alain Poher - Definition and Overview

Alain Poher (April 17, 1909 - December 9, 1996) was a French politician. He was president of the French Senate from 1968 to 1992, and served twice as the country's interim president.

According to the French constitution's order of succession, the speaker of the senate assumes the presidency following the President's death or resignation, and becomes interim Head of State until the next election.

Poher's first stint as acting president came on April 29, 1969, when Charles de Gaulle resigned. He attempted to formally run for the office, but lost to Georges Pompidou and re-assumed his speakership position once Pompidou was sworn in on June 20, 1969. Pompidou died in office on April 2, 1974, and Poher served again as acting president until election-winner Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was sworn in on May 27, 1974.