Former President of France François Hollande has served at all levels of French politics, culminating in his history-making presidency from 2012 to 2017. He was the first socialist President of the French Republic in nearly 20 years, during which time he introduced wide reforms across many areas.

Hollande served as an advisor on economic affairs to President François Mitterand, and then as chief of staff for spokespersons of Prime Minister Pierre Mauroy. In 1988, he was for the first time elected to represent the department of Corrèze in the National Assembly. He later became leader of the Socialist Party, served as mayor of the city of Tulle, and was finally President of the General Council of Corrèze. In 2011, Hollande fought a successful presidential primary campaign, and was the following year elected to the presidency, beating incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy.

During his leadership of the country, Hollande was praised by many for his progressive policies including introducing same-sex marriage, leading the fight against climate change, and reforming labour and pension laws. During his tenure, the country hosted the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which resulted in the Paris Agreement, and made a successful bid for the 2024 Olympic Games. He was also tasked with steering the country through a time of frequent and horrific terrorist attacks and considerable international turmoil including the Syrian Civil War and the rise of Islamic State.

Hollande has been recognised with honours and titles from many nations, including the United Kingdom’s Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, and Canada’s Grand Officier of the National Order of Quebec. Since leaving office, he has released his memoirs, The Lessons of Power, and currently chairs Foundation La France s’engage, which works to encourage solidarity and shared identity between citizens.