1981 French Legislative Election
The pink wave14 June and 21 June 1981 · The Fifth Republic · 491 seats, 246 for a majority
Legislative elections were held in France on 14 and 21 June 1981, to elect the seventh National Assembly of the Fifth Republic. The elections were called after François Mitterrand won the 1981 presidential elections and subsequently dissolved the National Assembly.
Held in wartime. This election took place while the country was engaged in Western Sahara War (1975–1991). Conflicts →
Prime Minister before
Raymond Barre
UDF
Prime Minister after
Pierre Mauroy
PS
Largest force
PS
269 of 491 seats
Turnout
70.3%
The result
PS
Pierre Mauroy · 37.5% of votes · +166 seats
269
seats
RPR
Jacques Chirac · -63 seats
85
seats
UDF
Jean Lecanuet · 19.2% of votes · -59 seats
62
seats
PCF
Georges Marchais · -42 seats
44
seats
31 further seats went to parties and independents outside the main contenders listed above.