French Fifth Republic

Some of the key events about French Fifth Republic

• 1958

  Establishment of a new constitution strengthening executive power
• 1960

  Granted independence to most French colonies in Africa
• 1961

  Brutal suppression of Algerian independence protesters in Paris
• 1962

  Introduction of direct presidential elections by popular vote
• 1965

  Creation of the first French satellite, Astérix-1
• 1967

  Legalization of contraception
• 1968

  Violent crackdown on student protests and general strikes
• 1974

  Lowering of the voting age from 21 to 18
• 1975

  Legalization of abortion
• 1981

  Abolition of the death penalty
• 1985

  Sinking of Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in New Zealand by French agents
• 1995

  Controversial resumption of nuclear testing in the South Pacific
• 1999

  Introduction of universal health coverage (Couverture Maladie Universelle)
• 2005

  Declaration of a state of emergency during widespread riots in French suburbs
• 2010

  Controversial pension reforms sparking nationwide protests
• 2013

  Legalization of same-sex marriage
• 2015

  Implementation of state of emergency following terrorist attacks, criticized for civil liberties restrictions
• 2018

  Introduction of fuel tax increases leading to widespread "Yellow Vest" protests
• 2019

  Controversial use of force against "Yellow Vest" protesters
• 2020

  Criticized handling of COVID-19 pandemic, including mask shortages and lockdown measures

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