France: The Season of Discontent

Mitterrand's Socialists are divided and dispirited

The exchange well illustrated the divisions that have grown in France's ruling Socialist Party after three years in power. Agriculture Minister Michel Rocard stunned the 700 delegates at the party's annual convention held outside Paris last week by sharply criticizing the administration of Socialist President Francois Mitterrand for having allowed "a serious breach to develop between the government and the country." A centrist and longtime Mitterrand rival, Rocard called on the party to "broaden its appeal to the whole of the country." Party Secretary Lionel Jospin...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!