From 1604 the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon are settled by French colonists. The islands are part of French North America. After the capture of French North America by Britain, the islands form a separate French colony as Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Between 1778 nand 1783, 1893 and 1802, and 1803 and 1815 the islands are occupied by the United Kingdom.

In 1946 the islands become a French overseas territory, but between 1976 and 1985 the status has been changed into a French overseas département. In 1985 Saint Pierre and Miquelon become a French collectivité territoriale sui generis. In Saint Pierre and Miquelon the French metropolitan parties are active. Between 1968 and 1994 politicians of the left, like Albert Pen (1968-1984) and Marc Plantegenest (1984-1994) preside the General Council. In 1994 the list linked to the Union pour la Démocratie Française (Union for French Democracy, UDF) wins a clear majority. Gérard Crignon becomes leader of the government. He resigns in 1996 in favour of Bernard le Soavec. In 2000 the list linked to the Parti Socialiste (Socialist Party, PS) wins the elections and Plantegenest becomes president of the General Council again.