French Government
The French Republic operates under a framework known as the Fifth Republic, established by Charles de Gaulle in 1958. Here are some key points about the French government:
Structure
- President: The President of the Republic is the head of state, elected for a five-year term through a two-round system. The president has significant powers including appointing the Prime Minister and, on their advice, other ministers, setting the agenda for the government, and having the ability to dissolve the National Assembly.
- Prime Minister: The Prime Minister leads the government and is responsible for domestic policy. While appointed by the President, the Prime Minister must have the support of the National Assembly.
- Parliament: Consists of two houses:
- Senate (Sénat), the upper house, indirectly elected by an electoral college, representing local authorities.
- National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale), the lower house, directly elected by the people.
- Judiciary: The French judicial system is independent, with the Court of Cassation as the highest court for civil and criminal cases, and the Council of State as the supreme court for administrative law.
Political Parties and Elections
France has a multi-party system where no single party often achieves an outright majority. Major parties include:
Constitution and Government Powers
The Constitution of France defines the powers of the government branches. It includes provisions for:
- The separation of powers.
- Checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
- Emergency powers for the president in times of crisis, as outlined in Article 16.
Historical Context
The current political system was shaped by:
- The French Revolution of 1789, which overthrew the monarchy and established a republic.
- The Fourth Republic (1946-1958), which was unstable due to numerous changes in government.
- The adoption of the Fifth Republic's Constitution in 1958, aiming for a more stable executive power.
Recent Developments
Recent political changes include:
- The election of Emmanuel Macron in 2017, marking a shift towards centrist politics.
- The "Yellow Vests" movement in 2018-2019, highlighting economic inequality and leading to policy changes.
- The handling of the COVID-19 crisis, which saw the government using its emergency powers.
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