Leon Blum
Blum, Léon (1872–1950), a French political leader. He was France's first Socialist premier. Blum was born in Paris, and received a law degree at the Sorbonne. He served in the French civil service from 1894 to 1919, becoming active in the Socialist party. He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1919, and became the Socialist leader in 1925.
As leader of the Popular Front—a coalition of the Socialist party, the moderately leftist Radical party, and Communists—Blum was premier for slightly more than a year. 1936–37. His government passed several reforms favored by the workers, including the 40-hour week. In 1938 Blum was again premier, but for only 28 days. During World War II he spent several years in German prisons. In December, 1947, he again became premier, serving about a month.