New prime minister a diplomat and man of letters

POET and politician, silver-haired statesman Dominique de Villepin captured the world’s attention with an impassioned speech in 2003 supporting France’s opposition to an invasion of Iraq.

Mr Villepin, 51, was named prime minister of France yesterday, the latest leap in a charmed career as foreign minister, writer, trusted adviser to President Jacques Chirac and, since last year, interior minister.

The patrician Villepin was an unusual choice to be France's top cop: Mr Chirac hoped the job would give him more street credibility with voters. But Mr Villepin left his strongest mark as foreign minister from 2002-2004, facing down US plans to invade Iraq.