Émile Combes was a French politician and a prominent member of the Radical Party. He served as the Prime Minister of France from 1902 to 1905. Combes was known for his strong secular policies, particularly his efforts to separate church and state, which were part of the broader French Third Republic reforms. During his tenure, Combes focused on modernizing France's education system and reducing the influence of the Catholic Church in public affairs. His government faced challenges, including political opposition and social unrest, but he remained a significant figure in early 20th-century French politics.