Former French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin has died at the age of 88, his family announced on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Jospin had revealed in January that he underwent a serious surgical operation, though he did not disclose further details about his condition.

He served as France’s prime minister from 1997 to 2002 and was the first secretary of the Socialist Party from 1981 to 1988 and again from 1995 to 1997.

Jospin also ran in the presidential elections in 1995 and 2002, but was unsuccessful in both bids.