The TV debate between the two finalists , and protagonists of the " cohabitation " , was very tense . Mitterrand wanted to show his ascendancy in naming his challenger " Mr Prime Minister " . Chirac answered : " Here , you are not President , and I am not Prime Minister . We are two equal candidates . You will allow that I call you Mr Mitterrand " . Mitterrand replied : " You are absolutely right , Mr Prime Minister " . Besides , the two candidates clashed about their attitude to the September 1986 terrorist attacks
September 1986 terrorist attacks
Pan Am Flight 73
1988 French presidential election