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Confused by French politics? Our answers to the questions you were afraid to ask

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 23:29 GMT by Le Monde.fr
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France’s political landscape can feel like a labyrinth to anyone unfamiliar with its unique institutions, terminology, and history. In a concise guide, Les Décodeurs of Le Monde break down the key elements of French politics, answer the most common questions foreigners ask, and clarify how the nation’s democratic machinery actually operates.

The Executive Branch

At the top of the French hierarchy sits the President, the head of state elected by universal suffrage for a five‑year term. Since the Fifth Republic was established in 1958, the presidency has grown in power, especially under leaders like Charles de Gaulle, François Mitterrand, and Emmanuel Macron. The President can appoint the Prime Minister, dissolve the National Assembly (the lower house of Parliament), and, in certain circumstances, propose legislation. Macron’s 2017 election and his re‑election in 2022 illustrate how the president’s mandate can be renewed after a challenging first term that involved reforms on pensions, the economy, and Europe.

Beneath the President is the Prime Minister, who heads the government and is responsible for daily administration. While the President sets the broad policy direction, the Prime Minister executes it and coordinates ministries. The relationship between the two can be cooperative or strained, depending on the political alignment of the president’s party and the majority in the National Assembly. For instance, the 2017–2022 period saw a period of “cohabitation” under President Emmanuel Macron and a left‑leaning parliamentary majority that pushed back on certain reforms.

The Legislature: Bicameral and Balanced

France’s Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) and the Senate (Sénat). The Assembly is the more powerful of the two, and its 577 members are elected by direct universal suffrage in a two‑round system. If no candidate receives an absolute majority in the first round, a second round is held, allowing voters to choose between the top candidates. The Assembly drafts and passes most legislation, and it can also censure the government, forcing the Prime Minister to resign.

The Senate, by contrast, represents territorial collectivities and is elected indirectly by local officials (mayors, councilors, etc.). Senators serve six‑year terms, with half of the seats up for election every three years. The Senate’s role is largely consultative, though it can delay legislation and must also vote on laws passed by the Assembly. The two chambers work in a system of “co‑constitutionality” where a joint commission often resolves disputes between them.

The Constitutional Council and Election Oversight

The Constitutional Council (Conseil Constitutionnel) is an unelected body that safeguards the constitutionality of French laws. It reviews laws before they are promulgated and can strike down statutes that conflict with the Constitution. The Council also oversees the conduct of elections and referenda, ensuring fair play. For instance, it has a pivotal role in the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections, where it verified ballot integrity and upheld the legitimacy of the results.

Major Political Parties and Ideological Spectrum

The French party system has evolved from the dominance of the Socialist Party (PS) and the Gaullist‑aligned Republicans (LR) to a more fragmented landscape. La République En Marche! (LREM), founded by Emmanuel Macron in 2016, quickly rose to prominence, positioning itself as a centrist, pro‑European movement. The National Rally (Rassemblement National, RN), formerly the National Front (Front National), represents a far‑right populist stance, emphasizing immigration control and national sovereignty. Left‑wing parties such as the French Communist Party (PCF) and La France Insoumise (LFI) challenge centrist policies with more radical proposals on social welfare and public ownership.

Electoral Mechanics: Two‑Round Systems

Both presidential and legislative elections employ a two‑round system designed to ensure majority support. In the presidential election, if no candidate secures over 50 % of the vote in the first round, the top two candidates proceed to a runoff. Emmanuel Macron faced Marine Le Pen in 2017, winning 66 % in the second round. In 2022, Macron secured 58 % against Marine Le Pen again, demonstrating the system’s capacity to yield decisive outcomes.

Legislative elections follow a similar path: candidates who achieve a majority in the first round (or at least 12.5 % of registered voters) win outright; otherwise, the top candidates advance to a second round. This mechanism often leads to tactical alliances between parties before the runoff, reshaping the political map.

Socio‑Political Movements: The Yellow Vests

Beyond formal institutions, France’s political discourse is heavily influenced by social movements, most notably the “Gilets Jaunes” (Yellow Vests). Originating in 2018 as a protest against fuel taxes, the movement broadened to encompass grievances about economic inequality, austerity, and perceived political elitism. While the protests faded in intensity, their legacy persists, shaping policy debates on taxation, public spending, and the role of the state.

How the European Union Shapes French Politics

France’s membership in the European Union (EU) is central to its domestic policy. EU directives on trade, environmental standards, and human rights frequently require national legislation to adapt. The Les Décodeurs series notes that French politicians must balance national sovereignty with EU commitments, especially on contentious issues such as immigration policy, financial regulation, and climate targets. Macron’s pro‑EU stance, coupled with his efforts to deepen the French‑German “Axis of Europe,” underscores the importance of the EU in shaping France’s international role.

Frequently Asked Questions (Condensed)

• What is the difference between the President and the Prime Minister? The President sets national policy and represents France internationally; the Prime Minister manages day‑to‑day governance.
• How are members of the Senate elected? Indirectly, by local elected officials, for six‑year terms with staggered renewals.
• What role does the Constitutional Council play? It ensures all laws comply with the Constitution and oversees electoral integrity.
• What does “co‑constitutionality” mean? It refers to the complementary functions of the two parliamentary chambers, ensuring balanced legislative power.
• Why does France use a two‑round electoral system? To guarantee that elected officials have majority support and to reduce fragmentation.

Looking Ahead

As France moves forward, the political landscape remains dynamic. The rise of new parties, ongoing debates over social reforms, and the challenges posed by global crises such as the COVID‑19 pandemic and climate change will continue to shape the nation’s policy direction. Understanding the structure of its political system, the roles of its institutions, and the forces that influence public sentiment will help anyone navigate France’s complex yet resilient democracy.

In essence, Les Décodeurs distills the essential facts of French politics into an accessible format, empowering readers to engage more confidently with the country’s public life. By clarifying the interplay between the presidency, prime ministership, bicameral legislature, constitutional oversight, and grassroots movements, the guide demystifies a system that, while intricate, operates on principles of representative democracy and constitutional accountability.