The Digester
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France bids farewell to ex-prime minister Lionel Jospin

Former prime minister Lionel Jospin, who led a centre-left government from 1997 to 2002 and enacted major social reforms, was honoured in national tributes following his death.

Mar 26th 2026 ยท France

Insights

  • Jospin served as France's prime minister from 1997 to 2002.
  • His government introduced the 35-hour workweek, the PACS civil union law, and universal health coverage.
  • He left frontline politics after a shock elimination in the first round of the 2002 presidential election.
  • National tributes were held with leaders from across the political spectrum paying respects.

Sources