Francois Mitterrand

About Francois Mitterrand

The first Socialist President of the Fifth Republic, serving two seven year terms from 1981 to 1995. Mitterrand initially pursued socialist economic policies including nationalization, but reversed course after economic difficulties. His presidency saw the abolition of the death penalty, the 35 hour work week, and European integration. Mitterrand was a complex figure with a controversial wartime past. He had a secret second family and an illegitimate daughter. Mitterrand and German Chancellor Kohl were the driving forces behind the Maastricht Treaty creating the European Union. He was the longest serving French president.