ABSTRACT
In the late 1960s, the French Socialists began their newest search for a model political party. Such a party would be socialist but pragmatic. It would be oriented toward industrial workers but hospitable to other social groups. It would be in favor of drastic economic changes but keep its commitment to traditional democratic principles. The need for an electoral alliance with the Communists was based on an optimistic assessment of the strength of the Parti socialiste (PS). Party leaders calculated that the growth in membership and the expanded appeal of the PS would be enough to insure that it would not be absorbed by the Communists. Mitterrand was elected to replace Alain Savary as the first secretary of the party. The choice of Mitterrand was fortunate. He was viewed as a person who combined a desire for a Popular Front with convincing credentials as a moderate who knew how to adapt himself to changing circumstances.
