Charles de Gaulle skips the 1965 French presidential elections

MrHola

Banned
Let’s say that in early 1964, de Gaulle announces to the public that he decides not to run in 1965. Let’s say it’s because of his prostate cancer (which he doesn’t announce to the public, though.)

So, what happens next? Who would win in 1965? Will France still leave NATO’s Joint Command Structure in 1966? Will Britain and Ireland enter the EEC earlier?
 
Let’s say that in early 1964, de Gaulle announces to the public that he decides not to run in 1965. Let’s say it’s because of his prostate cancer (which he doesn’t announce to the public, though.)

So, what happens next? Who would win in 1965? Will France still leave NATO’s Joint Command Structure in 1966? Will Britain and Ireland enter the EEC earlier?

If he can get the backing of all of the Right, it'll be Jean Lecanuet I think. Imagine a Giscard d'Estaing before his time, younger to boot.
 
I reckon that he would be keener on European integration (but at this stage, there could be a backlash). He might be more liberal on universities, which would defuse 1968 before it even happened. And certainly on most social matters he would almost certainly be somewhat liberal. The economy might well be less dirigiste under Lecanuet.
 
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