Valery Giscard dEstaing

ModernPoliticianFrance1926 — ?

French president who modernized society.

Compare Valery Giscard dEstaing with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1926

Country

France

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)10

Political (20%)70

Influence (20%)58

Legacy (20%)49

Leadership (15%)80

Strategy (15%)38

Total Score54.2

Valery Giscard dEstaing — Complete Timeline

1974 AD

Lowering the Voting Age to 18Reform

Giscard d'Estaing's government reduced the legal voting age from 21 to 18. This reform aimed to integrate youth into the political process and was part of a broader societal modernization agenda.

Voting RightsYouthReform

Impact: nationalprogressive

Election as President of FrancePolitical Action◆ Major

Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was elected President of France, defeating François Mitterrand in the second round. His presidency marked a shift towards a more modern, liberal, and technocratic style of governance.

French PresidencyElectionModernization

Impact: nationalconstructive

1975 AD

Legalization of Abortion (Loi Veil)Reform◆ Major

Giscard d'Estaing's government, with Health Minister Simone Veil, passed the law legalizing abortion in France. This was a major social reform that significantly expanded women's rights and sparked intense public debate.

Social ReformWomen's RightsAbortion

Impact: nationalprogressive

1981 AD

Defeat in the 1981 Presidential ElectionPolitical Action◆ Major

Giscard d'Estaing was defeated in the presidential election by Fran

Election DefeatEnd of TermPolitical Shift

Impact: national

2002 AD

Chairmanship of the Convention on the Future of EuropePolitical Action◆ Major

Giscard d'Estaing chaired the European Convention that drafted the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. This was a key role in shaping the EU's institutional framework, though the treaty was later rejected in referendums.

European UnionConstitutional TreatyIntegration

Impact: regionalconstructive