Conference "The Hidden Side of Pierre Pflimlin"

Pierre Pflimlin (1907-2000) remains a major Alsatian political figure, having served as mayor of Strasbourg, minister, and president of the European Parliament. His commitment to Europe is well documented.

However, a lesser-known part of his early political life has been studied by journalist Claude Mislin through archives, newspapers, and testimonies.

In the 1930s, as a young lawyer in Strasbourg, Pierre Pflimlin was close to far-right movements. In 1940, he joined the Vichy regime and took part in its propaganda. Later, he became a magistrate in Thonon-les-Bains, enforcing the laws of Pétain's government. After the war, in 1945, he participated in the purge, although he spoke very little about this period afterward. Understanding these years better helps to grasp his journey and political evolution.