Former French Socialist prime minister Lionel Jospin has died at the age of 88, broadcaster BFM reported on Monday, citing party sources. The cause of death was not immediately known.
Jospin served as head of government from 1997 to 2002 under centre-right President Jacques Chirac in a period of “cohabitation”, when France’s president and prime minister come from opposing political camps. His tenure was marked by a blend of progressive social reforms and economic pragmatism.
As prime minister, he reduced the standard working week to 35 hours, expanded access to healthcare and introduced civil unions granting rights to unmarried couples, both heterosexual and same-sex. At the same time, he pursued fiscal discipline and oversaw a wave of privatisations, encapsulated in his oft-quoted stance: “Yes to the market economy, no to a market society.”
A reserved and intellectual figure, Jospin struggled to connect with voters despite presiding over a period of economic growth and falling unemployment. His political career came to an abrupt end in 2002, when he was eliminated in the first round of the presidential election, finishing behind far-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen. In a shock announcement that evening, he took full responsibility and withdrew from political life.
Born in 1937 into a politically engaged Protestant family, Jospin rose through the Socialist Party to become a close ally of President François Mitterrand and later a mentor to future leaders.
He is survived by his wife, philosopher Sylviane Agacinski, and his children.
Donald Trump said he is “in no hurry” to reach a deal with Iran, insisting the U.S. is slowly getting what it wants. He warned military action rem...
Thousands of residents blocked Austria’s Brenner motorway on Saturday (30 May), shutting down a major north-south transport route through the Alps i...
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May),...
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secre...
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as t...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Soaring temperatures across Europe have broken records in Portugal and sparked heat alerts in Italy and France, affecting events including the French Open tennis tournament.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 29 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
France will become the first country in the European Union to reimburse anti-obesity drugs through its public healthcare system, Health Minister Stéphanie Rist announced on Thursday (28 May).
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment