The political framework of France

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President : Emmanuel Macron (since 14 May 2017; re-elected for a second term on 24 April 2022)
Prime Minister: Sébastien Lecornu (since 9 September 2025)

Next Election Dates

Presidential elections: April 2027
Senate: June 2029
National Assembly: June 2027

Main Political Parties

Following the 2024 elections, the main parties represented in the French parliament are:

- National Rally (RN): far-right; first parliamentary representation in 1997. Ran independently and emerged as the leading party in terms of votes
- Renaissance (formerly known as La République En Marche): centre, liberal political movement founded by Emmanuel Macron
- La France Insoumise (Unbowed France - LFI): far-left
- The Socialist Party (PS): centre-left, social democratic party that advocates for social justice, equality, and solidarity
- The Republicans: center-right party founded in 2002. It is the second-largest party in the National Assembly. The party is generally considered Gaullist, supporting a strong French state and national identity
- The Democratic Movement (MoDem): centrist
- The Ecologists - Europe Écologie Les Verts (EELV): emphasises ecology and peaceful and sustainable lifestyles
- Horizons (HOR): centre-right
- Union of the Right for the Republic (UDR): conservatism, right-wing populism
- French Communist Party (PCF): communism, soft euro-scepticism

President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance maintained an alliance with the MoDem to consolidate the center ground. On the left, a coalition known as the New Ecological and Social People's Union (NUPES) was formed in 2022, comprising parties like LFI, PS and EELV.

Executive Power

The President of the Republic is the Head of State. He/She is elected by direct universal suffrage for five years. He/She appoints the Prime Minister and his/her Government at the suggestion of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister sets the amount of the State's expenses and revenue and prepares some bills.

Legislative Power

The parliament is composed of the Senate and the National Assembly. The 348 senators are elected by indirect universal suffrage for nine years, renewable by a one-third majority vote every three years. The 577 deputies (MPs) are elected by direct universal suffrage. They examine bills and private bills successively, vote laws and monitor the Government. The economic, social and environmental council has an advisory function (optional or compulsory) within the framework of the legislative process.

Indicator of Political Freedom

Political Freedom:

1/7