Long known as the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, Haiti has stumbled from one crisis to another since the Duvalier years. The British weekly news and international affairs publication The Economist referred to Pierre-Louis in their publication 'The World in Figures 2010', writing: This vote occurred as Haiti was ravaged by the effects of Hurricane Hanna and Hurricane Ike, presenting a daunting challenge to Pierre-Louis and her government. There were no opposing votes, but one senator abstained. 16 votes were needed in the Senate she received only 15 in the first vote, but in a second vote held shortly afterward she gained the necessary additional vote. Pierre-Louis' political programme and government were approved by the Chamber of Deputies and subsequently by the Senate on 5 September 2008, following extended negotiations. The government was to have been installed on 26 August, but this was delayed due to the impact of Hurricane Gustav. Pierre-Louis was appointed as Minister of Justice and Public Security, in addition to serving as Prime Minister. Préval announced the composition of the new government on 25 August aside from Pierre-Louis herself, there were 17 ministers, seven of whom were retained from the previous government of Jacques-Édouard Alexis. Her political programme and government still had to be approved by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. It was approved by the Senate on 31 July, with 12 votes in favor, 5 abstentions and none opposed. Her nomination was approved by the Chamber of Deputies on 17 July 2008, with 61 votes in favor, one opposed, and 20 abstentions. In June 2008 Pierre-Louis was nominated as Prime Minister by President René Préval, after Préval's two previous nominees were rejected by the Chamber of Deputies. Pierre-Louis has been the Executive Director of the Knowledge and Freedom Foundation (FOKAL), a non-governmental organization financed by George Soros, since 1995.

Paul edouard pierre louis