(9 Jan 1996) English/Nat
Paris is dotted with the permanent reminders of Francois Mitterrand's years in power.
One of his many achievements was to leave his country with new architectural landmarks.
But opinions are divided over his so-called grand projects.
Upsetting many traditionalists, he had the Chinese-American architect I-M Pei reconstruct the Louvre museum.
Pei constructed a huge glass pyramid in front of the famous museum.
He also built a new ultramodern opera house.
These are some of Mitterrand's "Grand Projects" as they were dubbed, not only because of their size, but because of their cost as well.
Jacques Attali was a special adviser to Mitterrand for a decade.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The single question he was asking to himself and that we were discussing every day was when we were facing a decision was what will be the meaning of this decision in thirty years. How will people think about this decision. It is true that by trying to rebuild Paris, he was trying to put a scar, or at least something left behind as a memory for the future."
SUPER CAPTION: Jacques Attali, Mitterrand Special Adviser 1981-1991
Like a true Roman emperor Mitterrand wanted to leave his mark for generations to come.
He succeeded to some extent - but opinion remains divided over the worth of his architectural legacy.
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