Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, who died Wednesday, December 2, implemented several major emblematic social reforms during his seven-year term.

His desire to "modernize" the country was especially evident during his first two years at the Élysée.

It was not until the election of François Mitterrand to the presidency of the Republic and the law of October 9, 1981 that the death penalty was abolished in France.

  • 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 FR3), 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 common life".

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, it pushes back after the third class the orientation towards general or professional courses.

With AFP

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