Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, French academic and politician, 20th President of France

Valéry René Marie Georges Giscard d'Estaing, often referred to simply as Giscard or by his initials VGE, was a prominent French politician who profoundly shaped modern France. Born on February 2, 1926, and passing away on December 2, 2020, he held the highest office as the President of France from 1974 to 1981. His tenure was a pivotal period, bridging the end of France's post-war economic boom with the challenges of a new global economic order and ushering in significant societal and infrastructural changes.

From Finance Minister to President (1974)

Before ascending to the presidency, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing built a solid reputation as a skilled economist and administrator. He served with distinction as Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs under Prime Ministers Jacques Chaban-Delmas (1969-1972) and Pierre Messmer (1972-1974), where he played a crucial role in managing France's economy during a period of sustained growth. His expertise in economic policy positioned him as a modernizing force within French politics. In the highly competitive 1974 presidential election, triggered by the unexpected death of President Georges Pompidou, Giscard d'Estaing, representing a centrist-liberal political stance, narrowly defeated the Socialist Party candidate, François Mitterrand, securing 50.8% of the vote in the runoff. This victory marked a generational shift and signaled a desire for change within the French electorate.

A Presidency of Modernization and Liberalism (1974-1981)

Giscard d'Estaing's seven-year term as President was characterized by a bold agenda aimed at modernizing French society and infrastructure while promoting a more liberal vision for the country. His administration initiated significant social reforms, reflecting a contemporary shift in attitudes:

• Easier Divorce: The reform of divorce law in 1975 allowed for divorce by mutual consent, simplifying what was previously a complex and often adversarial process.
• Access to Contraception: Legislation was passed to ensure broader access to contraception, empowering individuals with greater control over family planning.
• Legalization of Abortion: Perhaps the most impactful social reform was the "Loi Veil" (Veil Law) of 1975, championed by his Minister of Health, Simone Veil, which decriminalized abortion under certain conditions. This landmark legislation significantly advanced women's rights and reproductive freedom in France.

Beyond social policy, Giscard d'Estaing's presidency drove forward ambitious infrastructure and energy projects that continue to define France:

• High-Speed Rail (TGV): He championed the development and launch of the Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV), France's iconic high-speed rail network. The first TGV line, connecting Paris and Lyon, inaugurated in 1981, revolutionized intercity travel, drastically reducing journey times and establishing France as a leader in rail technology.
• Nuclear Power Expansion: In response to the 1973 oil crisis and the imperative for energy independence, Giscard d'Estaing significantly accelerated France's commitment to nuclear energy. This strategic decision transformed France into one of the world's leading nuclear power producers, largely insulating it from global energy price volatility and ensuring a consistent and low-carbon electricity supply.

Furthermore, he sought to modernize the very institution of the presidency, aiming for a less formal and more accessible image. He also initiated a series of architectural and cultural "Grand Projects" in the Paris region, some of which were later continued and expanded upon by his successor, François Mitterrand. These included:

• The Grande Arche de la Défense: A monumental arch in the La Défense business district, symbolizing a window to the world.
• Musée d'Orsay: The transformation of a magnificent former railway station (Gare d'Orsay) into a world-renowned museum dedicated to 19th-century art, particularly Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
• Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute): A unique cultural institution fostering understanding and exchange between France and the Arab world.
• Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie: A large science museum and cultural center in Parc de la Villette, designed to promote scientific and technical culture.

Economically, Giscard d'Estaing was a proponent of trade liberalization, believing in open markets to foster growth. However, his economic policies were significantly hampered by the global downturn following the 1973 energy crisis, which abruptly ended the "Trente Glorieuses"—the thirty "glorious" years of unprecedented post-war economic prosperity (1945-1975). Facing rising oil prices and mounting stagflation, his administration was compelled to implement unpopular austerity budgets and contend with increasing unemployment, a stark contrast to the boom years that preceded his presidency. These difficult economic conditions significantly impacted his public approval and made his re-election bid challenging.

Political Challenges and Re-election Defeat (1981)

Despite his efforts to modernize France, Giscard d'Estaing's centrist position increasingly found itself squeezed by a re-energized political landscape. He faced formidable opposition from both sides of the political spectrum. On the left, François Mitterrand skillfully united the socialist and communist parties under a common program, forming a cohesive "Union de la Gauche" (Union of the Left) that presented a strong alternative. Simultaneously, on the right, his former Prime Minister, Jacques Chirac, emerged as a powerful rival. Chirac effectively resurrected and championed a modern form of Gaullism—a political ideology emphasizing national independence, a strong state, and a particular vision of France's grandeur—which challenged Giscard's more pro-European and liberal stance. This internal division on the right, coupled with the unified left, significantly complicated Giscard's re-election prospects. In the 1981 presidential runoff election, despite what were perceived as generally high approval ratings for his individual performance, the desire for political change, coupled with the economic difficulties and the fractured right, led to his defeat. He secured 48.2% of the vote against François Mitterrand, marking the first time a sitting French president was defeated in a re-election bid by a socialist candidate.

Post-Presidency and Enduring Legacy

Even after leaving the Élysée Palace, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing remained an influential figure in French and European politics. His commitment to European integration was a cornerstone of his career, both during and after his presidency. He famously forged a close partnership with West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, a collaboration that was instrumental in advancing European economic and monetary cooperation, notably leading to the creation of the European Monetary System (EMS) in 1979, a precursor to the Euro. As a former president, he automatically became a lifetime member of the Constitutional Council (Conseil Constitutionnel), France's highest constitutional authority. He also maintained a strong regional political presence, serving as President of the Regional Council of Auvergne from 1986 to 2004, demonstrating his continued engagement with local governance. His most significant post-presidency European role came when he presided over the Convention on the Future of Europe (2001-2003), which drafted the ambitious but ultimately "ill-fated" Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. Although the treaty was rejected by referendums in France and the Netherlands, his leadership in this complex process underscored his deep dedication to a more integrated European Union. In recognition of his intellectual contributions and his service to France, he was elected to the prestigious Académie Française in 2003, occupying the seat previously held by his friend, the distinguished poet and first president of Senegal, Léopold Sédar Senghor. Valéry Giscard d'Estaing passed away at the age of 94, on December 2, 2020, making him the longest-lived French president in history, a testament to his long and impactful life in public service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Valéry Giscard d'Estaing

Who was Valéry Giscard d'Estaing?

Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was a prominent French politician who served as the President of France from 1974 to 1981. He was known for his efforts to modernize French society and economy, initiate major infrastructure projects, and advance European integration.

What were some of Giscard d'Estaing's key achievements during his presidency?

His key achievements included significant social reforms like the legalization of abortion (Loi Veil) and easier divorce, the launch of the TGV high-speed rail network, a major expansion of France's nuclear power program for energy independence, and the initiation of several iconic cultural and urban "Grand Projects" in Paris such as the Musée d'Orsay and the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie.

Why did Valéry Giscard d'Estaing lose the 1981 presidential election?

Despite generally high approval ratings for his personal performance, his re-election bid in 1981 was hampered by persistent economic difficulties (the end of the "Trente Glorieuses" and the impact of the oil crisis), a unified opposition from the left led by François Mitterrand, and significant political rivalry from within the right, particularly from Jacques Chirac, who challenged Giscard's leadership.

What was Giscard d'Estaing's role in European integration?

He was a staunch proponent of European integration, forging a close working relationship with West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt that led to the creation of the European Monetary System. Post-presidency, he notably chaired the Convention on the Future of Europe, which drafted a proposed European Constitution, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to a more unified Europe.

What is the significance of the "Trente Glorieuses" in relation to Giscard d'Estaing's presidency?

The "Trente Glorieuses" (Thirty Glorious Years) refers to the period of rapid economic growth and social prosperity in France from 1945 to 1975. Giscard d'Estaing's presidency coincided with the abrupt end of this era, brought on by the 1973 oil crisis and global economic slowdown. This forced his government to deal with new challenges like unemployment and inflation, marking a shift from post-war optimism to a period of economic austerity.