French presidential election, 1981

As one quickly comes to realize in the study of politics, the "rules of the game," the institutional design can determine the fate of the players in the game. This could be no truer than in the French political system. Surrounding the French presidential election of 1981 was an absolutely extraordinary set of circumstances that moved the France into a new phase of politics. From these circumstantial anomalies emerged the first Socialist president of the Fifth Republic; indeed, the election of Socialist François Mitterrand marked the first administration change in the Fifth Republic.

Economy

Outside of the party politics, several other external factors gave Mitterrand and the Left added advantage. The economy was in shambles?unemployment was up, inflation was rising, oil prices were rising?and France had fallen behind in modernization, trade, and other global economic relations (investments). Some of these fluctuations in the French economy were a result of the President?s shortsightedness; other of these economic disasters had absolutely nothing to do with the President himself. Besides the floundering economy, there were also several other events that were still fresh in the minds of the French people. Earlier during Giscard?s presidency, there had been a student revolt and a general strike that paralyzed the government; these events, too faired badly for Giscard?s public image. The French electorate, tired of Giscard?s failed policies and strategy blunders, looked to a new President with whom they could build a better working relationship.

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