Francois Mitterrand Quotes

A collection of quotes by Francois Mitterrand.

François Mitterrand was a prominent French politician who served as the President of France from 1981 to 1995. Born on October 26, 1916, in Jarnac, France, he grew up in a politically engaged family. Mitterrand's early political career was shaped by his membership in the French Resistance during World War II, where he actively fought against the Nazi occupation of France.

In 1947, Mitterrand co-founded the Democratic and Socialist Union of the Resistance (UDSR), and in 1958 he became a member of the National Assembly. Throughout his political journey, Mitterrand held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Justice and Minister of Interior.

Mitterrand ran for president in 1965 but lost to Charles de Gaulle. It was not until 1981 that he achieved his long-awaited goal, defeating Valéry Giscard d'Estaing and becoming the first Socialist President of France in the Fifth Republic. During his presidency, Mitterrand implemented several reforms, including the abolition of the death penalty, decentralization of power, and the nationalization of key industries.

Mitterrand's presidency spanned a tumultuous era marked by economic challenges, social changes, and geopolitical shifts. Despite being initially oriented towards socialism, his later years in power saw a shift toward more centrist policies and market-oriented economic measures.

François Mitterrand died on January 8, 1996, leaving behind a mixed legacy of accomplished reforms and political controversies. However, he remains an influential figure in French politics, symbolizing the complexity and evolution of the left-wing movement in the country.