François Mitterrand
François Mitterrand was the longest-serving President of France, holding the position from 1981 to 1995.
President
October 26, 1916
Scorpio
January 08, 1996
79
Jarnac, Charente, France
François Mitterrand, a prominent figure in the Socialist Party, held the distinction of being the longest-serving President of France, serving from 1981 to 1995. As the first left-wing politician to assume the presidency under the Fifth Republic, he implemented numerous socialist policies and reforms. These included decentralizing the government, increasing the minimum wage, and shortening the work week. Mitterrand also played a crucial role in international diplomacy, contributing to the end of apartheid in South Africa and supporting the anti-nuclear movement. Among his other significant accomplishments were providing free healthcare, legalizing abortion, and playing a key role in the establishment of the European Union. A prolific writer, Mitterrand authored several books on various subjects. In 1984, he publicly acknowledged his daughter Mazarine, whom he had financially supported for many years.