François Mitterrand
President of France · 1916–1996
Mitterrand was the first Socialist president of the Fifth Republic, serving from 1981 to 1995. He began with nationalisations and social reforms, then shifted toward economic austerity and deeper European integration through the Maastricht Treaty.
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Estimated from their documented words and actions. A simplification, not a verdict.
His government passed the Defferre laws of 1982, transferring powers from Paris to elected regional and local councils.
Won two elections and accepted cohabitation with opposing governments, while his office ran illegal wiretaps.
Abolished the death penalty in 1981, though French agents sank the Rainbow Warrior in 1985.
Signed the Single European Act and Maastricht Treaty and backed a common European currency.
Kept France's nuclear deterrent and joined the 1991 Gulf War coalition.
Regularised about 130,000 undocumented immigrants in 1981 and backed anti-racism campaigns.
Nationalised banks and industrial groups in 1982, raised the minimum wage and created a wealth tax.
Began with state-led economic planning before the 1983 turn to market-friendly austerity.
Accepted open European markets and the single market after 1983.
Upheld French secularism, though his 1984 plan to integrate private Catholic schools was withdrawn.
Lowered the age of consent for homosexual acts to match heterosexual ones and expanded workers' rights.
Backed the TGV, the Minitel and other large state technology and building projects.