France-Albert René was educated at St Mary's College in Southampton, England, and at King's College London before becoming a lawyer in Seychelles from 1957 to 1961. Abroad, he was deeply involved in Party politics. Labor, then led by Clement Attlee and later Hugh Gaitskell. These experiences led him to adopt a moderate socialist ideology, favorable to state intervention in the economy and to close ties with conservative forces such as the Roman Catholic Church - the initial goal of his career being to become a member of the clergy. Later, France-Albert René denounced local church leaders who criticized his policy. In 1964, he formed the United People's Unity of Seychelles, precursor of the current People's Party of Seychelles.