FRA9 FILE · French politics
French politics: institutions, elections and power
Who decides what across the presidency, government, parliament, regions and communes?
See the essentials at a glance
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key points: President · Parliament · Government · Élections
The essentials
The Fifth Republic has a dual executive: the president sets broad direction and appoints the prime minister; government conducts national policy and answers to the National Assembly.
How it works
The Fifth Republic has a dual executive: the president sets broad direction and appoints the prime minister; government conducts national policy and answers to the National Assembly. This dossier connects institutions, actors and everyday practice in a clear overview.
Places and people
Paris concentrates many institutions, but regions, metropolitan areas and local networks create the real diversity.
Read next
Related links continue the story through its economic, social, historical and practical dimensions.
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