Le tournant de la rigueur: even in English, the expression describing the French government’s 1983 decision to devalue the French franc, stay in the EMS and reject the so-called alternative policy gains some traction.
The narrative of the tournant de la rigueur has since become a foundational reference point—defining how scholars, policymakers, and citizens understand the trajectory of France and the broader European project. (1/3)
But does this widely accepted story reflect what truly happened? What political calculations, ideological debates, and international constraints shaped Mitterrand’s choice? And how should we assess the legacy of 1983 today?
This is the topic of Frédéric Bozo’s latest book that he will present at our next Cover to Cover seminar at the Alcide De Gasperi Research Centre (ADG) on Friday 27 March. Flavia Canestrini will chair and Jonah J. Berger provide comments. (2/3)
Emmanuel Mourlon-Druol