Two weeks after the surprise announcement of snap elections by French President Emmanuel Macron, the political landscape in France is becoming clearer. Before delving into the current state of politics, it’s important to understand the institutional framework in which these elections will take place.
Macron is utilizing Article 12 of the Constitution of the Fifth Republic, a power previously used by leaders like Charles de Gaulle. This article allows a sitting president to dissolve the government and call for new elections without seeking approval from others. Historically, such dissolutions have been used for various reasons, from sanctions to plebiscites.
The upcoming elections on 30 June and 7 July will determine the political future of France. The Fifth Republic was designed to provide stability, but it also allows for political alternation in the face of strong opposition or dissatisfaction. The concept of “cohabitation” may come into play if the president and prime minister come from different political parties, leading to a shift in leadership dynamics.
Parliamentary regime
The history of dissolution in France highlights the complexities of the political system and the potential for change with each new election cycle. As the country gears up for yet another round of elections, the future remains uncertain, with potential for significant shifts in power and representation.