French politics: a practical guide

Want to understand French politics without the confusion? This short guide explains how power works in France, who the main players are, which issues matter, and where to follow trustworthy news. Read it and you’ll be able to spot the big moves — from elections to policy fights — and know why they matter at home and across Africa.

How France’s system works

France is a semi-presidential republic. That means the president shares power with a prime minister and parliament. The president is elected directly by voters using a two-round system: if no one gets over 50% in round one, the top two go to a runoff.

The lower house, the National Assembly, has 577 deputies who shape and pass laws. Deputies are elected in two rounds too. The Senate is the upper house and is chosen indirectly by local officials; it reviews laws and represents local interests. The prime minister runs day-to-day government and must keep the National Assembly’s support. When the president and the majority in the Assembly are from different camps, you get "cohabitation," which changes how power is shared.

Main parties and who to watch

Politics in France is fragmented but a few groups dominate the headlines. Renaissance (formerly La République En Marche) is the centrist pro-EU movement. The National Rally (RN) sits on the right with a focus on immigration and national identity. Les Républicains represent the center-right traditional conservatives. On the left, the Socialist Party and La France Insoumise (LFI) push different ideas on welfare and the economy. Local leaders and smaller parties can matter a lot, especially in municipal and regional votes.

Key institutions to track: the Elysee (president’s office), Matignon (prime minister’s office), the National Assembly debates, and the Constitutional Council when laws face legal challenges. Big laws often spark street protests and strikes — that’s part of how French politics plays out.

Which issues shape debates? The economy and cost of living, pensions and labour reforms, migration and border control, security and terrorism, and climate policy. International questions also matter — France’s role in the EU and ties with former colonies in Africa often drive both foreign policy and domestic politics.

Want to follow developments? Use reliable sources: Le Monde, France 24, AFP and local papers. Watch parliamentary debates live on public channels and follow MPs or ministries on social media for direct updates. Podcasts and newsletters from established outlets give quick context if you don’t have time for long reads.

For readers in Africa: France’s policies on trade, aid, and security partnerships affect the region. Keep an eye on defence cooperation, development funding, and migration talks — changes in Paris often ripple across West and Central Africa.

Got a vote coming up? Check official election calendars, register early if you’re abroad, and read party platforms closely. Don’t rely on headlines alone — skim manifestos or short summaries to see concrete proposals and how they would affect everyday life.

French politics can seem messy, but once you know the rules, parties and top issues, it becomes a lot easier to follow. Take one debate or election at a time and use trusted sources to stay sharp.