France election 2027: Candidates, Debates, Results, Opening And Closing Time And Everything To Know
The French presidential election is scheduled to take place in 2027. However, there is a significant election happening in France in 2024 – the European Parliament election. Here’s an overview of what we know about the French political landscape and the upcoming European election.
European Parliament Election 2024:
Date:
The European Parliament election is slated for June 9, 2024, in France. France uses a proportional representation system with a 5% threshold for this election. The country is also treated as a single constituency, electing 79 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
Purpose:
French voters will elect Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to also represent France in the EU’s legislative body.
Parties:
Major French political parties and movements are expected to participate, including:
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- La République En Marche (LREM, President Macron’s party)
- Also Rassemblement National (RN, far-right)
- Les Républicains (LR, center-right)
- Parti Socialiste (PS, center-left)
- Also La France Insoumise (LFI, left-wing)
- Europe Écologie Les Verts (EELV, Green party)
Key Issues:
The campaign is likely to focus on:
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- EU integration and reform
- Also Climate change and environmental policies
- Economic policies and recovery post-COVID
- Also Immigration
- Security and defense
Significance: This election will be an important indicator of the French political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Opening and Closing Times:
Polling stations in France generally open at 8:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM, with some larger cities potentially keeping polls open until 10:00 PM. However, exact times can vary and would be confirmed closer to the election date.
French Politics
- President Emmanuel Macron, elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2022, cannot run for a third consecutive term in 2027 due to constitutional term limits.
- The results of the 2024 European Parliament election may influence potential candidates and also party strategies for the 2027 presidential race.
Government
Executive Branch:
- President: The head of state, elected directly by the people for a 5-year term.
- Powers include: appointing the Prime Minister, presiding over the Council of Ministers, also commanding the armed forces, and dissolving the National Assembly.
- Prime Minister: Appointed by the President, also leads the government.
- Responsible for domestic policy and day-to-day running of the government.
Legislative Branch:
- Bicameral Parliament consisting of: a) National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale):
- 577 deputies elected by direct universal suffrage for 5-year terms.
- Also Has the power to dismiss the government. b) Senate (Sénat):
- 348 senators elected indirectly by an electoral college for 6-year terms.
- Also Half the seats renewed every 3 years.
Judicial Branch:
- Highest courts: a) Constitutional Council (Conseil Constitutionnel): Reviews the constitutionality of legislation. b) Council of State (Conseil d’État): Highest administrative court. c) also Court of Cassation (Cour de Cassation): Highest court for civil and criminal matters.
Administrative Divisions:
- 18 administrative regions (13 in metropolitan France, 5 overseas)
- Also 101 departments
- 35,000+ communes (municipalities)
Political Parties: As of 2024, major parties included:
- La République En Marche (LREM): Centrist, founded by Emmanuel Macron
- Rassemblement National (RN): Far-right, led by Marine Le Pen
- Also Les Républicains (LR): Center-right
- Parti Socialiste (PS): Center-left
- Also La France Insoumise (LFI): Left-wing
- Europe Écologie Les Verts (EELV): Green party
Electoral System:
- Presidential elections: Two-round system
- Legislative elections: Two-round system in single-member constituencies
- Also European Parliament elections: Proportional representation
Unique Features:
- Cohabitation: When the President and Prime Minister are from opposing parties.
- Also Strong executive power vested in the President.
- Importance of the civil service (ENA graduates often become top officials).
Foreign Relations:
- Founding member of the European Union
- Also Permanent member of the UN Security Council
- Member of NATO
Constitutional Revisions:
- The Constitution can be amended by Parliament or by referendum.
- Significant reforms often also spark national debates.
