Politics & Government Guide · FrancePolitics & Government Guide in France
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
France's semi-presidential system faces ongoing instability under President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, appointed in September 2025. The minority government relies on cross-party support from Socialists and Republicans to pass the 2026 budget via Article 49.3 while surviving no-confidence motions amid economic pressures and international tensions. A reshuffled cabinet announced in October 2025 aims to stabilize finances, security, and public services.
Political Stability
Poor
Corruption Index
Moderate
Democracy Index
Good
Government Type
Unitary semi-presidential republic
Legal System
Civil law system
Head of State
President Emmanuel Macron(since 2017)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu(Renaissance)since 2025
Political Indicators
Political Stability
Scale: 0-1
Low stability
World Bank (2024)
Corruption Index
Scale: 0-100
Transparency International (2024)
Press Freedom
Scale: 0-100
Reporters Without Borders (2024)
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Flawed democracy
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Centrist
Far-right
Left-wing
Centre-left
Centre-right
Voting Rights
French citizens have full voting rights. EU citizens can vote in local and European Parliament elections.
Recent Developments
- Sébastien Lecornu appointed Prime Minister on September 9, 2025, replacing François Bayrou after a failed confidence vote
- First Lecornu government resigned on October 6, 2025, becoming the shortest-lived in French history; new government appointed October 12, 2025
- Lecornu government survives no-confidence votes and passes 2026 budget using Article 49.3 amid political turmoil
- New cabinet includes Laurent Nuñez as Interior Minister and Roland Lescure as Finance Minister to address debt and security
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