Strategy and Contradiction in the Victory of French Socialism

Abstract

Francois Mitterrand's victory in May, 1981 Presidential elections, the overwhelming triumph of the Left (primarily the renascent French Socialists) in the June legislative elections which followed, and the sub-sequent inclusion of four Communists in the government constitute, together, an extraordinary success for the Left in France and in Europe. After 23 years of consecutive power, manipulating institutions specifically designed to perpetuate its rule, the French Right had come to regard France as its personal property. After nearly two decades of struggle the Left broke this stranglehold in 1981 and used these same institutions to its own advantage. The result is that the Left is now solidly established with a workable majority for at least five years in Parliament, while the Presidential term of Mitterrand will continue for seven. From what most observers considered to be extreme weakness the French Left has, almost overnight, come to control the country. Henceforth the Left will be responsible for the policy destiny of France.