Francois Mitterrand was a French statesman and politician who went on to become the President of France for the longest term (1981-1995). Completing education in the field of law and politics, he started his career as an officer in the French Army during the World War II. Although kept secretive, he collaborated with the Vichy government till 1943 when he joined the French Resistance. Post his becoming the cabinet minister of the Fourth Republic in 1947, he continued being in action through diverse cabinet posts for another twelve years. Having served as the leader of the Socialist Party, Mitterrand was also the first left candidate to become the President under the Fifth Republic in 1981 and was re-elected in 1988 as well. While in presidency, his efforts were directed at economic revamp through nationalization, fighting unemployment and wage improvements. His work in the cultural and social arena was also acknowledged and widely acclaimed. During his tenure till 1995, he made several efforts for fostering economic as well as political amalgamation with Western Europe by following a centrist approach as against socialist approach alone. His reign is also known for encouraging improved French- German relations on grounds of collaboration and not opposition. Although struggling with prostate cancer, he continued to serve as long as he could but the down turn in the French economy coupled with his deteriorating health led him to resign from presidency.