The Two Presidents Who Shaped France's Fifth Republic

In this episode of The Story of France, Lucas and Luna dive into the unlikely friendship and political rivalry between Charles de Gaulle and François Mitterrand — two men who defined the Fifth Republic from opposite ends of the spectrum. They trace de Gaulle's wartime exile and his vision for a strong executive, then follow Mitterrand's journey from Vichy official to Socialist president. Along the way they unpack the 1958 constitution, the 1962 referendum that made the presidency directly elected, the 1981 election that brought the left to power, and the two cohabitations that tested the system. With a blend of personal anecdotes — de Gaulle's famous stubbornness, Mitterrand's secret second family, their mutual respect despite bitter opposition — the conversation reveals how these two towering figures shaped modern France. Expect fresh angles on the Élysée, the role of the prime minister, and the surprising legacy of a rivalry that became the foundation of French political life. #CharlesDeGaulle #FrancoisMitterrand #FifthRepublic #FrenchConstitution #Elysee #Cohabitation #FrenchPresidency #1958 #1962Referendum #1981Election #Vichy #Resistance #SocialistParty #Gaullism #FrenchPolitics #History #FexingoHistory #Europe Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo