Mitterrand, François Maurice Marie

Mitterrand, François Maurice Marie (1916–96) French statesman, president (1981–96). He was active in the French Resistance, and served in the government of the Fourth Republic. In 1965, he united the parties of the left, and narrowly lost the presidential election in 1974. In 1981 elections, Mitterrand defeated the incumbent Giscard d'Estaing. Re-elected in 1988, Mitterrand introduced reforms, including the abolition of capital punishment, and favoured state intervention in the economy. In the 1980s, he changed course. Nationalization ceased and some industries returned to private ownership. He was forced further right after 1986, when he had to cooperate with Gaullist prime minister Jacques Chirac. Mitterrand was a supporter of the European Union (EU) and of close Franco-German relations. Jacques Chirac succeeded him.