The changing French political system

Book abstract:

This volume charts the most significant areas of change in contemporary French politics. The editor, Robert Elgie, introduces the book by outlining the main areas of change. Three chapters follow assessing the contemporary nature of political representation in France. The relationships between and within the parties of the left and the right are examined and the evolution of the new social movement phenomenon in contemporary French politics is explored. The next part of the book examines the nature of institutional politics in France, looking at changes that have been made to the Constitution of the Fifth Republic since its inception in 1958, the increasing juridification of French politics and the relationship between central and local government in France. The volume then moves on to consider the recent transformations of the state sector in France assessing the 'service public' in France and health policy in particular. Finally, the concept of French exceptionalism is explored.

Each chapter is summarised in an abstract at the end of the book along with an index and brief details for each of the academics who contributed to the book.

The contributions examine the changing nature of the French political system and lay the foundations for future explorations of the politics of this most fascinating of countries. The book will be of interest to both the specialist and non-specialist reader.

Robert Elgie is Senior Lecturer in European Politics at the University of Nottingham and has published numerous books on French and comparative politics.