First term: 1981–1988 thumb|Mitterrand (right) with Danish Prime Minister Schlüter and British Prime Minister Thatcher, 1983 thumb|upright|left|Mitterrand with U.S. President Ronald Reagan, 1984 In the presidential election of 10 May 1981, François Mitterrand became the first socialist President of the Fifth Republic, and his government became the first left-wing government in 23 years. He named Pierre Mauroy as prime minister and organised a new legislative election. The Socialists obtained an absolute parliamentary majority, and four Communists joined the cabinet.
first term 1981–1988 thumb|mitterrand (right) with danish prime minister schlüter and british prime minister thatcher 1983 thumb|upright|left|mitterrand with us president ronald reagan 1984 in the presidential election of 10 may 1981 françois mitterrand became the first socialist president of the fifth republic and his government became the first left-wing government in 23 years he named pierre mauroy as prime minister and organised a new legislative election the socialists obtained an absolute parliamentary majority and four communists joined the cabinet