French politics today

Book abstract:

This work is organised in two parts. Part 1 addresses the political forces at work in France. It starts with an overview of the social and economic background to the Fifth Republic and explores the interaction of Parliament and the President. It then moves on to discuss the party system and the divisive elements and subdivisions of the left/right factions which have characterised the Fifth Republic.

Part II concentrates on the structures through which the political forces work and the sustained dominance of the state in French political life. The growth in Presidential power through their ability to forge and sustain supportive coalitions has negated the previous inhibiting force of 'cohabitation' is illustrated in chapter nine. Similar examination of the office of Prime Minister is given in chapter ten and once again the importance of creating and sustaining supportive coalitions is evidenced. Between these two offices and as a consequence of the multi-faction coalitions Parliament has been constitutionally downgraded in the Fifth Republic as discussed in chapter eleven. France continues to be a world power with a distinctive foreign policy, which is seen as a Presidential responsibility; this and other aspects of foreign policy are examined in the final chapter. The appendices contain commentaries upon the five presidents of the Fifth Republic.

The volume will be of particular interest to students and academics working in the field of French and European affairs.

David S Bell is Head of Social Sciences and Law, University of Leeds