Former French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin has died at the age of 88, his family announced on Monday morning. Jospin also served as Minister of Education in the late 1980s and early 1990s. As First Secretary of the Socialist Party, he rose to prominence following the 1997 dissolution of the National Assembly by then-President Jacques Chirac.
He went on to lead the French government for five years, heading the “Plural Left” coalition, which brought together a broad range of left-wing political forces beyond the Socialist Party.
Landmark social reforms
During his time in office, Jospin implemented a series of major reforms, including the introduction of the 35-hour working week, Universal Health Coverage (CMU), and the Civil Solidarity Pact (PACS), which allows both heterosexual and same-sex couples to formalise partnerships outside marriage.
Presidential bid and political setback
In 2002, Jospin ran for the presidency for a second time but failed to reach the second round, in part due to a fragmented field of left-wing candidates. His death marks the passing of a central figure in modern French politics and a defining voice of the country’s left.