Francois Mitterrand is one of France's most famous twentieth-century politicians, yet interpretations of his values and leadership vary widely. Alistair Cole starts with a chronological overview of Mitterrand's career which is developed into a policy-based assessment of Mitterrand's presidency from 1981-93.
By evaluating Mitterrand's policies in relation to various key roles such as the party leader, the President, the dispenser of patronage,...