The Presidents Of The French Fifth Republic (French Politics Society And Culture)

The French Fifth Republic has been governed by 9 Presidents since its inception in 1958. These Presidents have all played significant roles in shaping the political, social, and cultural landscape of France. This article provides an overview of the Presidents of the Fifth Republic, their tenures, and their impact on France.

1. Charles de Gaulle (1958-1969)

Charles de Gaulle was the first President of the Fifth Republic and played a pivotal role in shaping its institutions and character. He is credited with restoring stability and prestige to France after the turmoil of the Fourth Republic. De Gaulle's presidency was marked by several key achievements, including:

• The adoption of the Constitution of the Fifth Republic, which established a strong presidential system.
• The resolution of the Algerian War, which had been a major source of instability for France.
• The establishment of close relations with West Germany and the European Economic Community.
• The promotion of French culture and language around the world.

2. Georges Pompidou (1969-1974)

Georges Pompidou succeeded de Gaulle as President in 1969. He continued many of de Gaulle's policies, but also introduced some new initiatives, such as:

The Presidents of the French Fifth Republic (French Politics, Society and Culture)

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• The of social reforms, such as the reduction of the working week and the expansion of social welfare programs.
• The launch of ambitious economic development projects, such as the construction of the Concorde supersonic airliner.
• The further expansion of France's role in the European Economic Community.

3. Valéry Giscard d'Estaing (1974-1981)

Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was elected President in 1974, becoming the first non-Gaullist to hold the office. His presidency was characterized by:

• The adoption of a more liberal social agenda, including the legalization of abortion and divorce.
• The implementation of economic reforms aimed at modernizing the French economy.
• The strengthening of France's relationship with the United States and the European Economic Community.

4. François Mitterrand (1981-1995)

François Mitterrand was the first Socialist President of the Fifth Republic, serving two terms in office. His presidency brought about significant changes to French society, including:

• The nationalization of major industries and banks.
• The expansion of social welfare programs.
• The abolition of the death penalty.
• The signing of the Maastricht Treaty, which established the European Union.

5. Jacques Chirac (1995-2007)

Jacques Chirac succeeded Mitterrand as President in 1995. He served as President for two terms and is credited with:

• The of the euro as the currency of France.
• The implementation of economic reforms aimed at reducing unemployment.
• The promotion of social cohesion and the fight against discrimination.
• The leadership of France's response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

6. Nicolas Sarkozy (2007-2012)

Nicolas Sarkozy became President in 2007. His presidency was marked by several key events, including:

• The global financial crisis of 2008.
• The adoption of the Lisbon Treaty, which reformed the European Union.
• The launch of the "Grenelle Environment" initiative, aimed at addressing climate change and other environmental issues.
• The of a new immigration policy, which included measures to combat illegal immigration.

7. François Hollande (2012-2017)

François Hollande was elected President in 2012. His presidency was overshadowed by the economic crisis and the rise of terrorism in France. Hollande's key policies included:

• The implementation of austerity measures aimed at reducing France's budget deficit.
• The of a new economic growth plan.
• The adoption of a law legalizing same-sex marriage.
• The leadership of France's response to the Charlie Hebdo and Bataclan terrorist attacks.

8. Emmanuel Macron (2017-present)

Emmanuel Macron became President in 2017. He is the youngest person to ever hold the office. Macron's presidency has been marked by:

• The implementation of economic reforms aimed at stimulating growth and reducing unemployment.
• The adoption of a new anti-corruption law.
• The promotion of France's role in the European Union and the world.
• The leadership of France's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Presidents of the French Fifth Republic have all played significant roles in shaping the political, social, and cultural landscape of France. From de Gaulle's leadership during the Algerian War to Macron's reforms of the economy and society, these Presidents have left their mark on French history. As France continues to face new challenges, the legacy of these Presidents will continue to influence the country's development.

Sources

• The Presidents of the French Fifth Republic: A Brief History [link]
• The Presidents of France: From Charles de Gaulle to Emmanuel Macron [link]
• The French Presidency: A History [link]
• French Politics, Society, and Culture: A Guide to Contemporary France [link]

The Presidents of the French Fifth Republic (French Politics, Society and Culture)

by Vijay Mahajan

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1149 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	236 pages

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