These Presidents And World Leaders Hid Their Health Problems

François Mitterrand Published False Health Reports During His Presidency

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François Mitterrand was President of France from 1981 to 1995 — the longest any French President spent in office. Mitterrand died of prostate cancer just a few months after he finished his final term.

After he passed away in 1996, controversy erupted when Mitterrand’s former physician, Dr. Claude Gubler, released a book called Le Grand Secret. His grand secret? Gubler had published false health reports on Mitterand’s health since November 1981, keeping the president’s cancer a secret. Gubler would go as far to inconspicuously hang intravenous drips from picture hooks and coat hangers in government guest houses so they would not be seen with large pieces of medical equipment. Mitterrand’s family had Gubler and his publisher prosecuted for violating medical confidentiality.