Who was the French prime minister who led the Vichy government during World War II?

Pierre Laval was the French prime minister who led the Vichy government during World War II. Laval, a prominent politician in the interwar period, was appointed prime minister by President Albert Lebrun in June 1935. He served in that capacity until January 1936, when he resigned over a dispute with Lebrun. Laval was then appointed prime minister for a second time in June 1937 and served until March 1938. He served a third term as prime minister from April 1942 to December 1942, and then again from April 1944 to August 1944.

During his time as prime minister of Vichy France, Laval collaborated closely with the Nazi regime, implementing anti-Semitic laws and policies, and assisting the Germans in their occupation of France. After the war, Laval was tried for treason, convicted, and sentenced to death. He was executed by firing squad in October 1945.

Some of Laval's notable actions include his participation in the Munich Agreement of 1938, which allowed Nazi Germany to annex Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland, and his advocacy for a Franco-German alliance during the interwar period. Laval's legacy is one of collaboration with Nazi Germany and the implementation of anti-Semitic laws and policies during World War II.