Just a couple more photos from the cemetery in Jarnac. Then I'll stop. One of the reasons we wanted to see the grave of former French president François Mitterrand is, well, we were there. Another is that he was newly elected the year that Ken and I met.
It was a big change for France to have a left-wing president and government, at least for a while before the right regained control of the parliament. He was a force for change, both politically and culturally. Like many French presidents, he was responsible for significant redevelopment projects in Paris. The "new" national library, built on the banks of the Seine in the thirteenth arrondissment, was built during his term; it now bears his name. He also, perhaps more famously, directed the relocation of the French finance ministry from the Louvre to a new, modern complex at Bercy (twelfth arrondissement) in order to expand and modernize the Louvre museum. The resulting improvements are no less than stunning.
Mitterrand was re-elected to a second term in 1988. He served fourteen years (two terms) as president. Since that time, France changed the length of presidential terms from seven years to five years.
I remember Mitterrand as president. I also remember that a term was 7 years. Can you imagine 7 years of Trump?
ReplyDeleteMitterand's term was significant for all of us Francophiles who loved traveling to France when one US dollar was worth about 10 francs. Apparently, Mitterand's socialist government spooked investors. That exchange rate was great news for travelers though, or anyone who wanted to buy French products.
ReplyDeleteHe was "the guy", when we were there, so I always connect to him, in my head, as the French president. Wasn't he also responsible for the overhaul of tourist lodging... as in, during his time as president, all of the hotels had to upgrade to having bathrooms in every room, and elevators (or be stuck with only 1 star)? Unless I have the wrong president in mind... I think it caused hotel prices to go sky high, but things were more modernized, as a result. Non?
ReplyDeleteJudy
My first thought was “thank god Trump didn’t get a 7 year term as president,” although it would be a dream to see him get more than that in prison.
ReplyDeletemichael, perish the thought!
ReplyDeletekiwi, I remember it well.
judy, hotel rooms are much more modern these days, that's for sure. And in Paris, a lot are getting upgraded in advance of the Olympics next year. I'm not at all sure about what Mitterrand's did.
mitch, I hope your dream comes true!
God help us if those deplorables win.
ReplyDelete