Minister of Defense, 2011–2012
Shortly after taking office, Longuet oversaw the French Air Force’s involvement in the 2011 military intervention in Libya.[8] After the mission ended, he met his Libyan counterpart Osama al-Juwaili in 2012 to sign a letter of intent to improve maritime security and control Libya’s borders.[9]
Also early in his tenure, it was revealed that Longuet had spent a weekend in 2006 in a Tunisian palace at the expense of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was overthrown shortly after by a popular revolt.[10]
In January 2012, President Sarkozy dispatched Longuet and the head of the French army to Afghanistan to conduct a review of security after an Afghan soldier killed four French service members.[11] Shortly after, Longuet announced that France would withdraw its combat forces from Afghanistan – at the time, 2,400 soldiers in Kapisa Province – by 2013.[12]
Also in early 2012, Longuet led efforts on an agreement between France and Britain to jointly work to develop unmanned drones as part of their military cooperation.[13]
Following the 2012 Malian coup d'état, Longuet rejected the desert Tuaregs' declaration of independence for what they called the state of Azawad.[14]
Electoral mandates
European Parliament
Member of European Parliament : 1984–1986 (He became minister in 1986).
General council
Vice-president of the General council of Meuse : 1982–1986.
General councillor of Meuse : 1979–1992 / 1998–2001 (Resignation). Reelected in 1985, 1998.
Municipal council
Municipal councillor of Bar-le-Duc : 1983–1989.