Francois Maurice Marie Mitterrand was a former President of France, serving two terms from 1981 to 1995. As such, there are numerous synonyms one could use to refer to him, including "Mitterrand," "Francois Mitterrand," "President Mitterrand," or simply "Francois." He is often remembered for his strong leadership, including the nationalization of several key industries, as well as his efforts to promote French culture on the world stage. Despite criticisms of his economic policies and past connections to the Vichy regime during World War II, Mitterrand remains a key figure in modern French history.