El marc polític de França

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President : Emmanuel Macron (since 14 May 2017; re-elected for a second term on 24 April 2022)
Prime Minister: François Bayrou (since 13 December 2024)

Next Election Dates

Presidential elections: April 2027
Senate: June 2029
National Assembly: June 2027

Current Political Context

In 2024, France’s major political developments included the dissolution of the National Assembly and the formation of several governments. Following projections showing a strong lead for the far-right National Rally (RN) in the European Parliament elections, President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the National Assembly on June 9, 2024, and called for snap elections. Held on June 30 and July 7, the elections resulted in a hung parliament with no party securing an outright majority. In response, Macron appointed a new centre-right government, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, in September 2024, to address the political deadlock. However, Barnier’s government collapsed in December 2024 after a no-confidence vote. François Bayrou, a veteran centrist, was then appointed as the fourth prime minister of the year, with his administration largely supported by the centrist parties MoDem and La République En Marche (LREM).
In the 2024 European Parliament elections, the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, emerged as the leading party in France, securing a significant portion of the vote. Macron’s centrist party, LREM, experienced a decline, while traditional parties such as the Socialist Party (PS) and The Republicans (LR) also faced losses.
On the international stage, France has remained a strong supporter of Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Macron has emphasized the need for Europe to increase defence spending to reduce reliance on the United States and to adapt to evolving security challenges. He has also stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine, despite the potential risks, including the possibility of direct confrontation with Russia.

Main Political Parties

Following the 2024 elections, the main parties represented in the French parliament are:

- National Rally (RN): far-right; first parliamentary representation in 1997. Ran independently and emerged as the leading party in terms of votes
- Renaissance (formerly known as La République En Marche): centre, liberal political movement founded by Emmanuel Macron
- La France Insoumise (Unbowed France - LFI): far-left
- The Socialist Party (PS): centre-left, social democratic party that advocates for social justice, equality, and solidarity
- The Republicans: center-right party founded in 2002. It is the second-largest party in the National Assembly. The party is generally considered Gaullist, supporting a strong French state and national identity
- The Democratic Movement (MoDem): centrist
- The Ecologists - Europe Écologie Les Verts (EELV): emphasises ecology and peaceful and sustainable lifestyles
- Horizons (HOR): centre-right
- Union of the Right for the Republic (UDR): conservatism, right-wing populism
- French Communist Party (PCF): communism, soft euro-scepticism

President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance maintained an alliance with the MoDem to consolidate the center ground. On the left, a coalition known as the New Ecological and Social People's Union (NUPES) was formed in 2022, comprising parties like LFI, PS and EELV.

Executive Power

The President of the Republic is the Head of State. He/She is elected by direct universal suffrage for five years. He/She appoints the Prime Minister and his/her Government at the suggestion of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister sets the amount of the State's expenses and revenue and prepares some bills.

Legislative Power

The parliament is composed of the Senate and the National Assembly. The 348 senators are elected by indirect universal suffrage for nine years, renewable by a one-third majority vote every three years. The 577 deputies (MPs) are elected by direct universal suffrage. They examine bills and private bills successively, vote laws and monitor the Government. The economic, social and environmental council has an advisory function (optional or compulsory) within the framework of the legislative process.

Indicator of Freedom of the Press

World Rank:

34/180

Indicator of Political Freedom

Ranking:

Free

Political Freedom:

1/7

Political freedom in the world (interactive map)
Source: Freedom in the World Report, Freedom House