Eight years after his establishing control of the party, François Mitterrand faced internal opposition.
He advocated an alignment with contemporary European social-democracy and an acceptance of the market economy.
He represented the survivors of the French Section of the Workers' International (SFIO) who denounced the hegemony of Mitterrand's supporters in the party.
Jean-Pierre Chevènement and his left-wing CERES faction advocated a return to closer relations with the PCF.
Mitterrand's faction obtained 47% of the vote, Rocard's won 21.3%, Mauroy's scored 16% and Chevènement secured 14%.