Francois Mitterrand

Date of Birth: October 26, 1916

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 8, 1996

Biography

François Mitterrand was a prominent French statesman who served as the President of France from 1981 to 1995, making him the longest-serving president in French history. Born into a conservative Roman Catholic family, Mitterrand’s early political inclinations were right-leaning, but he later became a leading figure in the Socialist Party. During his presidency, Mitterrand implemented several significant reforms, including the abolition of the death penalty, the decentralization of government, and various social and economic reforms aimed at reducing inequality. Before becoming president, Mitterrand held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Veterans and War Victims, Minister of the Interior, and Minister of Justice. His political career was marked by both significant achievements and controversies, including allegations of collaboration with the Vichy regime during World War II. Mitterrand’s presidency was also notable for his foreign policies, which included strengthening the European Union and maintaining a firm stance against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. His tenure witnessed significant events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Gulf War.

5 Interesting Facts about Francois Mitterrand

1. François Mitterrand was the first French President to serve two consecutive seven-year terms.

2. He was instrumental in the creation of the Channel Tunnel, which connects France and the United Kingdom.

3. Mitterrand secretly battled prostate cancer for much of his presidency, a fact that was disclosed only after his death.

4. He had a significant impact on French culture, commissioning the construction of several major landmarks, including the Louvre Pyramid and the Grande Arche.

5. Mitterrand was known for his complex personal life, including a long-term extramarital relationship and a daughter born out of wedlock.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francois Mitterrand

1. “Racism is a crime. And there can be no compromise with crime.”

2. “A man loses contact with reality if he is not surrounded by his books.”

3. “France is our motherland, Europe is our future.”

4. “Our world faces a crisis as yet unperceived by those possessing power to make great decisions for good or evil.”

5. “The youth of a nation are the trustees of posterity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his death, François Mitterrand’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

François Mitterrand had two sons with his wife Danielle Gouze: Jean-Christophe Mitterrand and Gilbert Mitterrand. Additionally, he had a daughter, Mazarine Pingeot, with his long-term mistress Anne Pingeot.