France, 1981–1986

Abstract

The elections studied in this chapter took place during the early years of the EMS, when its norms and purpose were still developing. Over time countries adjusted their domestic economic policies in order to conform to the demands of EMS participation, but during the first few years of operation most countries prioritized domes-tic concerns, and realignments were more common. When monetary union becomes a serious prospect for Europe in the second half of the decade, countries expressed an even greater willingness to adjust for the good of the system, though domestic political interests are clearly discernible.