description François Mitterrand Overview
François Mitterrand was a French politician who served as president of France from 1981 to 1995. A leader of the Socialist Party, he became the first socialist president of the Fifth Republic and served two seven-year terms. His presidency included the implementation of parts of the left-wing program elected in 1981, later economic policy changes, and periods of cohabitation in which he shared power with governments led by political opponents.
help François Mitterrand FAQ
When was François Mitterrand president of France?
Mitterrand served as president from 1981 to 1995. He completed two seven-year presidential terms under France's Fifth Republic.
Why is Mitterrand important in French political history?
He became the first Socialist president of the French Fifth Republic when he won the 1981 election. His presidency brought a left-wing government to power after decades without a Socialist president in that system.
What major reform is associated with Mitterrand's first term?
The abolition of the death penalty in France was enacted in 1981 under the government of Mitterrand and Justice Minister Robert Badinter. It became one of the clearest symbolic reforms of the early Socialist presidency.
Who did François Mitterrand defeat in 1981?
Mitterrand defeated incumbent president Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in the 1981 presidential election. That victory made him the first Socialist president of the Fifth Republic.
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