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Former French prime minister Lionel Jospin dies aged 88

Mar 23rd 2026 · France

Lionel Jospin, head of government from 1997 to 2002 and a leading figure of the French Socialist Party, has died aged 88, his family said.

  • Died on Sunday aged 88, his family announced on Monday after a reported operation in January.
  • Served as prime minister of France from 1997 to 2002.
  • Introduced the 35-hour work week and legalised civil partnerships for same-sex couples while in office.
  • Was eliminated in the first round of the 2002 presidential election by Jean-Marie Le Pen, forcing a runoff that led many left voters to back Jacques Chirac.
  • Held senior roles including first secretary of the Socialist Party, education minister, and member of the Constitutional Council, and was praised by President Emmanuel Macron.

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