• UGI USER
  • Jun 27, 2024
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POTENTIAL FOR COHABITATION IN FRANCE

Why in the news?

  • After two rounds of polling on June 30 and July 7, France will elect a new National Assembly, potentially leading to a rare occurrence of cohabitation.
  • For the first time in 22 years, there is a real possibility that the President and the Prime Minister will be from different parties.

President vs. Prime Minister

  • France is a semi-presidential democracy with distinct roles for the President and the Prime Minister.
  • The President, directly elected since 1962, oversees foreign policy and defense, while the Prime Minister, leader of the largest party in the National Assembly, handles domestic policy.
Source: PIB
Understanding Cohabitation

  • Divided Government: Cohabitation occurs when the president and the parliamentary majority are from different political parties.
  • Reason for Cohabitation: The president must appoint a prime minister acceptable to the majority party in parliament, reflecting the dual executive system.
  • Dual Executive: Involves an independently elected president and a prime minister who needs approval from both the president and the legislature.