1996 Death Francois Mitterrand, President of France (1981-95), dies of cancer at 79 1994 Death Francois de Grossouvre, President Mitterrand advisor, suicide at 76 1988 Event Francois Mitterrand elected president of France 1985 Event French President Mitterrand receives Polish leader Jaruzelski 1981 Event Francois Mitterrand becomes president of France 1981 Event Francois Mitterrand defeats Valery Giscard d'Estang for President of France 1965 Event French president De Gaulle re-elected (Mitterrand gets 45%) 1965 Event Francois Mitterrand nominated for French presidency 1953 Event French minister Francois Mitterrand, resigns due to colonial policy
