> caused a social crisis in November and December 1995. The popularity of the executive duo decreased.</p>
<p>In spring 1997, President Chirac tried to take the left-wing opposition by surprise by dissolving the National Assembly. The first opinion polls indicated a re-election of the right-wing majority. The "<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plural_Left" title="Plural Left">Plural Left</a>" coalition, composed of the <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialist_Party_(France)" title="Socialist Party (France)