In 1978, France was a Fifth Republic state under President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, with Raymond Barre as Prime Minister. The year was marked by the legislative elections in March and by the economic austerity policy known as the Barre plan.
🏛️ Politics
The legislative elections of 12 and 19 March 1978 were won by the governing majority (RPR and UDF) against the Union of the Left, whose Socialist Party and Communist Party had failed to renew their common programme in 1977. The outcome kept Raymond Barre in office. In February 1978 the Union pour la démocratie française (UDF) was founded as a confederation of centrist and liberal parties supporting the President, in rivalry with the Gaullist RPR led by Jacques Chirac.
⚖️ Economy and society
The French population numbered about 53 million. The economy was affected by the aftermath of the 1973 oil shock, with rising unemployment (above one million job seekers) and inflation of about 9 percent. The Barre plan pursued price liberalisation and budget restraint. The steel industry in Lorraine and the north faced restructuring and job losses, which fuelled social tension.
🔬 Science
The Ariane launcher programme, developed within the European Space Agency, was advancing toward its first flight, with French CNES playing a leading role. The Minitel and Télétel telematics project was also being prepared by the telecommunications administration.
🎭 Culture
French cinema and literature continued to flourish; the Césars ceremony took place in February. The Centre Pompidou, opened in 1977, was in its first full year of operation as a major cultural institution.
Key events
- The UDF was officially launched as a federation of parties supporting President Giscard d'Estaing ahead of the legislative elections (date approximate).
- First round of the legislative elections.
- The oil tanker Amoco Cadiz ran aground off Portsall in Brittany, causing one of the largest oil spills in history.
- Second round of the legislative elections, won by the governing majority.
Historical context
- 1974–1981
Presidency of Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, marked by liberal social reforms and economic difficulties following the oil crises.
- 1976–1981
Raymond Barre served as Prime Minister, applying an austerity and anti-inflation policy.
- 1945–1975
The post-war period of rapid growth known as the Trente Glorieuses ended with the 1973 oil crisis, opening an era of persistent unemployment.