François Mitterrand's Presidencies and Socialist Reforms (1981–1995)

1. Mitterrand wins the presidency (Fifth Republic first)

   May 10, 1981Labels: Fran ois, Val ry

   • French Election
   • Washington Post

2. Government approves sweeping nationalization plan

   Sep 10, 1981Labels: Nationalization plan, French banks

   • UPI Archives

3. France abolishes the death penalty by law

   Oct 9, 1981Labels: Death penalty, Robert Badinter

   • L gifrance
   • French MFA

4. Wealth tax (IGF) introduced in finance law

   Dec 30, 1981Labels: IGF, Finance law

   • L gifrance
   • ISF Overview

5. Defferre decentralization law reshapes local power

   Mar 2, 1982Labels: Defferre law, Local authorities

   • Decentralization
   • Decentralization Chrono

6. Economic policy pivots toward fiscal restraint

   Mar 1, 1983Labels: Tournant de, Economic policy

   • Le Monde
   • 1986 Election

7. Private-school reform protests force policy retreat

   Jun 24, 1984Labels: Private-school protests, Catholic schools

   • 1984 Protests

8. Right wins legislature; first cohabitation begins

   Mar 20, 1986Labels: Cohabitation 1986, Jacques Chirac

   • 1986 Election
   • FR Leg 1986

9. Mitterrand wins re-election for a second term

   May 8, 1988Labels: Mitterrand re-election, Jacques Chirac

   • 1988 Election
   • UPI Archives

10. RMI law creates a nationwide minimum income benefit

    Dec 1, 1988Labels: RMI, Anti-poverty policy

    • Assembl e Nat
    • L gifrance

11. Maastricht Treaty referendum narrowly approved

    Sep 20, 1992Labels: Maastricht Treaty, EU referendum

    • 1992 Referendum

12. Second cohabitation starts under Prime Minister Balladur

    Mar 29, 1993Labels: Cohabitation 1993, douard Balladur

    • 1993 Election
    • Balladur Govt

13. Mitterrand leaves office after 14 years

    May 17, 1995Labels: End of, Fran ois

    • 1988 Election