Government of France
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| Government of France | |
|---|---|
 Gouvernement de la République française // Reproduction : Dorian crd · Licence Ouverte · source | |
| Country | France |
| Name | Government of the French Republic |
| Caption | Great Seal of France |
| Date | 1958 (Fifth Republic) |
| Document | Constitution of France |
| Legislature | French Parliament |
| Leader title | President of France |
| Leader name | Emmanuel Macron |
| Appointed | President of France |
| Headquarters | Hôtel de Matignon, Paris |
| Main organ | Council of Ministers |
| Departments | 15 Ministries |
| Court | Court of Cassation |
Government of France. The Government of the French Republic, formally established under the 1958 Constitution, constitutes the executive branch of the French Fifth Republic. It is headed by the Prime Minister and is responsible for determining and conducting the nation's policy, wielding significant administrative authority. The government is accountable to the French Parliament, which comprises the National Assembly and the Senate.
History
The modern governmental structure originates from the French Revolution, which dismantled the Ancien Régime and established principles of separation of powers. Subsequent regimes, including the First Republic and the Second Empire, experimented with various models before the Third Republic solidified a parliamentary tradition. The pivotal Constitution of 1958, drafted under the guidance of Charles de Gaulle and Michel Debré, created the strong executive of the Fifth Republic, a response to the instability of the Fourth Republic. Key historical developments include the 1962 referendum establishing direct presidential election and periods of cohabitation between presidents and prime ministers from opposing parties like François Mitterrand and Jacques Chirac.
Structure
The government's structure is defined by the Constitution of France and organic laws. Its core components are the President of France, the Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers, which meets weekly at the Élysée Palace. The administration is divided into ministerial departments, such as the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Armed Forces. Key supporting institutions include the General Secretariat of the Government, located at the Hôtel de Matignon, and the Council of State, which advises on legislation and acts as the supreme administrative court.
Executive branch
The executive is dual-headed, shared between the President and the Prime Minister. The President of France, elected by direct universal suffrage, is the head of state, commander-in-chief of the French Armed Forces, and guides foreign and defense policy, as seen in engagements with NATO and the European Union. The Prime Minister, appointed by the President, directs the government's domestic agenda, ensures the execution of laws, and manages the civil service. Key figures in the executive have included ministers like Bruno Le Maire at the Ministry of Economy and Gérald Darmanin at the Ministry of the Interior. The executive also includes specialized bodies like the Bank of France.
Legislative branch
The French Parliament is a bicameral legislature consisting of the lower house, the National Assembly, and the upper house, the Senate. Members of the National Assembly, known as *députés*, are elected from constituencies across Metropolitan France and overseas territories like French Guiana, while senators are elected by an electoral college. Parliament votes on laws, controls the government through mechanisms like the motion of censure, and approves the national budget. Major legislation often originates from the government as *projets de loi*, such as those related to the pension system. The legislative process involves committees and may require a joint session known as the Congress of the French Parliament.
Judicial branch
The French judiciary is independent and structured into two main orders: the judicial order for civil and criminal law and the administrative order. The highest court of the judicial order is the Court of Cassation in Paris, while the supreme administrative court is the Council of State. Other significant courts include the Courts of Appeal, the Constitutional Council which reviews the constitutionality of laws, and specialized bodies like the Court of Justice of the European Union. Key legal instruments are the Civil Code and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
Local government
France has a decentralized unitary state structure, with local administration organized into regions (like Île-de-France and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur), departments (such as Bouches-du-Rhône), and communes. Each level has elected councils, with executives like the President of the Regional Council and the Mayor. Special status exists for Corsica, overseas departments like Martinique, and collectivities such as French Polynesia. The system is governed by laws on decentralization, including the Defferre Acts, and overseen by representatives of the state like the Prefect of the department.