May 10 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the election of François Mitterand as president of France.
It's an anniversary that is being marked by many in France, with Mitterand being regarded by many with a fondness and respect that he did not always get during his tenure as president.
Although the only Socialist Party president during the Fifth Republic, his actions with regard Rwanda, nuclear testing and the subsequent bombing of the Rainbow Warrior as well as his historical links to Vichy regime made him a controversial figure.
However, his policies with regard co-operation with Germany and other changes introduced under his presidency including the abolition of the death penalty, normalisation of the status of thousands of illegal immigrants and the liberalisation of the media were more welcome.
Few people have had a bigger influence on the shape of modern France than Mitterrand.
In the 80s, singer Barbara was a strong backer of François Mitterand, with the song "Regarde" was written to celebrate the 1981 election victory.
The song, composed just days after the election, appeared on her 1981 album Pantin.
Mitterand decorated her with the Légion d'Honneur after he was re-elected in 1988.
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