Francois Mitterrand, the 21st president of France, passed away on January 8, 1996 in Paris, France. He was 79 years old. Mitterrand was the longest-serving president of the Fifth Republic of France, standing in the office from 1981 to 1995. Throughout his political career, Mitterrand was an advocate for social change, launching national social security reform, fundraising for the preservation of France's historical heritage, and promoting greater decentralization of the French state. He was successful in the re-unification and recognition of Germany, and he opposed the balkanization of former Yugoslavia. Mitterrand had a long and distinguished career in French politics, beginning with his election to the National Assembly in 1946. His political career included Minister of the Interior, cabinet posts in government and a variety of roles within the Socialist party. Mitterrand will be remembered for his contributions to French civil society and international relations. His name was synonymous with France's 19th and 20th century politics and culture. He is survived by his two sons, Jean-Christophe and Gilbert, and his two daughters, Claude and Danielle.