Born in 1943 in Algiers, Jacques Attali has functioned as a central figure in French public life for decades, balancing roles as a senior civil servant, economic advisor, and prolific author. A graduate of elite French institutions, he emerged as a critical strategist for government figures while maintaining an extensive academic and business career in finance and consultancy.
Academic and Civil Service Foundation
Attali completed his education at the Lycée Janson-de-Sailly before attending the École polytechnique between 1963 and 1965. He continued his studies at Sciences Po and the École nationale d'administration, finishing his formal training by 1970. In 1972, he earned a doctorate in economics from Paris Dauphine University. His early professional path began in 1970 when he joined the Conseil d'État, an institution where he remained until 2000. During the 1970s and 1980s, he taught at various institutions, including Paris Dauphine University and the École polytechnique.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Political Advisory and Institutional Leadership
His collaboration with François Mitterrand began in 1973, leading to his appointment as special adviser to the President in 1981. During this decade, he managed high-level diplomatic tasks, including organizing G7 summits in 1982 and 1989. Following his tenure at the Élysée, he served as the inaugural president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development from 1991 to 1993. Later, under President Nicolas Sarkozy, he chaired the Commission for the Liberation of French Growth in 2008, focusing on regulatory reform.
Consultancy and Intellectual Output
Attali founded the consultancy firm Attali & Associates, specializing in corporate finance and strategy. Beyond his corporate interests, he has contributed extensively to literature, publishing dozens of books covering economic and social theory, such as Analyse économique de la vie politique. He also established Positive Planet, formerly known as PlaNet Finance. His work in public policy continued into the 2010s, notably through a 2013 report on positive economics commissioned by President François Hollande.
Fast facts
- Born: 1943, Algiers
- Citizenship: France
- Education: École polytechnique, Sciences Po, École nationale d'administration
- First EBRD President: 1991-1993
- Knight of the Legion of Honour: 1998
- Notable work: Analyse économique de la vie politique
- Member: Royal Academy of Science, Letters and Fine Arts of Belgium
Questions readers ask
What institutions did Jacques Attali attend?
He studied at Lycée Janson-de-Sailly, École polytechnique, Sciences Po, École nationale d'administration, Paris Dauphine University, and Mines ParisTech.
Did Jacques Attali serve in the French government?
Yes, he served as a special adviser to President François Mitterrand from 1981 to 1991 and chaired government committees regarding economic growth under President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Achievements
- honorary doctorate of Haifa University
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 1998
- Affiliated with Conseil d'État, École polytechnique and Paris Dauphine University
- Educated at École polytechnique and Paris Dauphine University
.jpg)
