Socialist leader Lionel Jospin, who introduced the 35-hour week and civil partnerships, has died aged 88, his family confirmed

PARIS: Former French prime minister Lionel Jospin has died at the age of 88. His family confirmed his passing on Sunday.

Jospin led France’s Socialist government from 1997 to 2002. He was known for introducing the 35-hour work week and civil partnerships for same-sex couples.

His political career was marked by a dramatic presidential election defeat in 2002. Jospin lost to far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen in the first round.

This forced his supporters to rally behind conservative rival Jacques Chirac in the runoff. Chirac went on to win the presidency in a landslide.

Jospin had recently undergone a “serious operation” according to a statement in January. He had returned home to rest without providing further details.

 The Sun Malaysia