French socialist politician, economy and finance minister 198184 under François Mitterrand's presidency, and president of the European Commission, 198594. In the latter role, he oversaw significant budgetary reform, the introduction of the single European market, and the negotiation and ratification of the 1992 Maastricht Treaty on European Union.
The star, which was added to the flag in 1793, initially had more than five points. The star may represent the Morning Star mentioned in the Koran. Effective date: 5 June 1936.