Valéry Giscard d'Estaing and Simone Veil on November 29, 1974 after the adoption by the Assembly of the law legalizing abortion.

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AFP

For Nicolas Sarkozy, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing has "succeeded in modernizing political life".

For Richard Ferrand, he brought "modernity and daring" to France.

Died Wednesday at the age of 94 as a result of Covid-19, the former head of state left a strong mark on French society, in particular by lowering the majority to 18 years and legalizing abortion with an emblematic text carried by Simone Veil.

Back on the seven major reforms of his seven-year term.

Majority at 18

The first major reform of the seven-year term of Valéry Giscard d'Estaing (law of July 5, 1974), in line with a campaign placed under the sign of youth, lowers the legal age of majority from 21 to 18 years.

Reform of the Constitutional Council

The constitutional revision of October 29, 1974 gives parliamentarians (60 deputies or senators) the possibility of contesting the constitutionality of a law.

Previously, only the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister and the Presidents of the National Assembly and the Senate could seize the Constitutional Council.

Audiovisual overhaul

The reform splitting the French Broadcasting Office (ORTF) into several companies (including Radio France, TF1, Antenne 2 and France 3), after more than ten years of existence, took effect on January 6, 1975.

Legalization of abortion

Knowing that this reform will meet with strong opposition within the right-wing majority, VGE launches it very quickly, to benefit from the dynamics of its election.

The law of January 17, 1975, which gave rise to heated debates, was brought by the Minister of Health, Simone Veil.

Divorce by mutual consent

The law of July 11, 1975 established divorce "by mutual consent" or "for termination of cohabitation".

Previously, only “fault” divorce was possible.

Single college

The Haby law of July 11, 1975 established a single college aimed at "providing common education", "support for general or subsequent vocational training".

In fact, he postpones orientation towards general or vocational courses after the 3rd grade.

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