The dissolution of the French National Assembly on June 9 by Emmanuel Macron has sparked discussions among constitutional experts and citizens alike. The media has been filled with debates on parliamentary systems in a country known for its presidentialism and comparisons with other European nations. Supporters of parliamentarism are pleased to see that the Constitution of the Fifth Republic is flexible enough to adapt to the current unprecedented situation, and many of its provisions are likely to be reinterpreted. While the system can function in a parliamentary manner, it is skewed due to the unique role played by the president, especially given their election by universal suffrage.
On one hand, the President’s power in France originates not so much from their constitutional prerogatives, as their actual competences are limited, but from having the support of a majority that they lead. This majority backs the president out of loyalty, supporting the government in turn. If another leader were to head this majority, they would wield the majority of power, as seen during cohabitation periods. On the other hand, the direct election of the president by the people distorts this parliamentary functioning. While many European states have similar elections, the president in these countries does not hold the same level of primacy. In Austria or Finland, the president is not seen as a powerful institution, and their election is not justified by the nature of the powers they hold.
In practical terms, the president’s powers are quite limited, making their election more of a symbolic necessity than an institutional one. In Portugal, where the head of state is also elected by universal suffrage and has similar powers to the French president, political parties have always refrained from making them a political leader. Their election is not driven by partisanship. The role of the president in these systems is more focused on symbolic unity and representing the nation as a whole, rather than being a key political figure with strong legislative authority. The need for a symbolic leader seems to be more important than the actual exercise of power.
The current situation in France raises questions about the balance of power between the president and the parliament, and whether this unique presidential system is still appropriate in a modern democratic context. The tension between a parliamentary functioning and a presidential hierarchy remains unresolved, leaving room for ongoing debate and discussion about the future of French governance. The recent dissolution of the National Assembly highlights the complexities of the French political system and the challenges of reconciling presidential leadership with parliamentary representation. As the country navigates these complex dynamics, it will be interesting to see how the constitution and the political landscape evolve in response to these challenges.
