Exploring France’s Political Structure

France’s political structure is a unitary semi-presidential republic where power is divided between the President and the Prime Minister.

• The President is the head of state, directly elected by popular vote.
• On the other hand, the Prime Minister is the head of government, appointed by the President.
• Thus, this system leads to a sharing of executive power.

Executive Branch (Le Pouvoir Exécutif)

The executive branch of France’s political structure comprises the President, the Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers. The President has foreign policy and national defence powers and can dissolve the National Assembly.

President of the Republic (Président de la République)

• Current President: Emmanuel Macron (since May 2017, re-elected in 2022).
• Role: The most powerful and influential political figure, acting as the Head of State.
  • Elected by popular vote for a five-year term.
  • Can serve two consecutive terms (per 2008 constitutional reform)
• Powers & Responsibilities:
  • Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
  • Represents France on the global stage.
  • Appoints high-level officials, judges, and military leaders.
  • Can dissolve the National Assembly and call for new elections.
  • Appoints the Prime Minister and presides over the Council of Ministers.
  • Can call a referendum (Article 11 of the Constitution).
  • The President can rule by decree in exceptional cases (Article 16 – emergency powers).
  • Can grant pardons (but not amnesty).

Prime Minister (Premier Ministre)

• Current Prime Minister: Gabriel Attal (since January 2024).
• Role: Head of Government, responsible for domestic affairs, economic policy, and implementing the President’s vision.
• Appointment: Chosen by the President, but must have support from the National Assembly.
• Powers & Responsibilities:
  • Policy Execution: Implements laws and government decisions.
  • Parliamentary Relations: Responsible for passing legislation and securing parliamentary approval.
  • Government Administration: Supervises ministries and the civil service.
  • Can be removed through a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly.

Council of Ministers (Conseil des Ministres)

• Composed of Ministers appointed by the President on the Prime Minister’s recommendation.
• Meets weekly at the Élysée Palace, chaired by the President.
• Each Minister oversees a particular domain (Finance, Defence, Foreign Affairs).

Read: Exploring China’s Political Structure

Legislative Branch (Le Pouvoir Législatif)

The legislative branch of France’s political structure comprises a bicameral Parliament with two chambers: the National Assembly and the Senate.

National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale)

• Members: 577 Deputies, elected for five-year terms.
• Election: Directly elected by the public using a two-round system.
• Powers:
  • Primary legislative body – drafts and passes laws.
  • Can overthrow the government through a vote of no confidence.
  • Examines the country’s national budget.

Senate (Sénat)

• Members: 348 Senators.
• Election:
  • Indirectly elected by an electoral college of local officials.
  • Serve six-year terms, with half the Senate renewed every three years.
• Powers:
  • Reviews laws passed by the National Assembly.
  • Cannot dismiss the government.
  • Can propose amendments to legislation but has weaker legislative power than the National Assembly.

Judiciary (Le Pouvoir Judiciaire)

The political structure of France consists of a judicial system operating independently from the executive and legislative branches.

Constitutional Council (Conseil Constitutionnel)

• Members: 9 judges appointed for nine-year terms.
• Powers:
  • Ensures laws comply with the French Constitution.
  • Reviews election disputes.

Court of Cassation (Cour de Cassation)

• The highest court for civil and criminal cases.
• Ensures lower courts interpret laws correctly.

Council of State (Conseil d’État)

• Acts as the highest administrative court.
• Advises the government on legal matters.

Local Government (Decentralization & Collectivités Territoriales)

Although France is a unitary state, meaning all power originates from the central government, it has undergone decentralization.

Administrative Divisions:

• Regions (Régions): 18 total, 13 metropolitan (Continental France) and 5 overseas regions.
• Departments (Départements): 101 in total.
• Communes: Over 35,000 municipalities, each with a mayor and local council.
• Local powers include:
  • Transport, education, local policing, and economic development.
  • The central government retains authority over national security and foreign policy.

Political System & Parties (Le Système Politique et les Partis)

France’s political structure comprises a multi-party system which includes centrist, left-wing, and right-wing parties.

Centrist & Left-Wing Parties:

• Renaissance: Centrist, pro-European (Macron’s party)
• Socialist Party: Traditional centre-left, social democracy
• La France Insoumise: Far-left, anti-austerity
• Greens (EELV): Environmentalist party

Right-Wing & Far-Right Parties:

• The Republicans: Conservative, centre-right
• National Rally: Far-right, nationalist, anti-immigration
• Reconquête: Ultra-conservative

Constitution & Legal Framework

• France’s political structure is based on the Constitution of the Fifth Republic (1958), created under Charles de Gaulle.
• Key features:
  • Strong executive power (especially for the President).
  • Separation of powers between executive, legislative, and judiciary.
  • Secularism – The government is strictly separate from religion.