1981 French presidential election

The 1981 French presidential election was a significant political event where voters chose François Mitterrand as France’s new president. Incumbent President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was seeking a second term but faced strong competition from Mitterrand, a Socialist candidate. Mitterrand's victory marked the first time a Socialist had been elected president in the Fifth Republic, ending decades of center-right dominance. The election reflected broader social and economic changes in France, with voters leaning toward increased social reforms and government intervention. Mitterrand’s win signaled a shift toward more progressive policies and a new direction for France's leadership.