Well, what are the duties and powers of the President in France, which is governed by a semi-presidential system? France is going to the polls for the second round of the election to determine the new President. The winner of the first round of the election was President Emmanuel Macron, the candidate of the March of the Republic (En Marche), who received 27.85 percent of the votes. Macron’s strongest opponent, the right-wing populist National Unity Party (RN) leader Marine Le Pen, had 23.15% of the vote.
Contrary to other European countries, the person sitting in the chair of the President in France is not only a political figure, but also plays a very decisive role in the political fate of the country with his responsibilities and powers. Well, what tasks await those who will sit in this chair, which is far beyond being symbolic? According to which framework are powers and boundaries drawn?
What are the powers of the President of France?
In France, the President occupies a much stronger position in terms of authority than the head of government. The President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the French Armed Forces, is the decision maker on issues such as military operations and the use of nuclear weapons. However, for long-term operations or a declaration of war, it also needs parliamentary approval.
The president also chairs weekly cabinet meetings, but enacting drafts is within parliament’s mandate. The President also has the right to dissolve the National Assembly and hold a referendum. In cases of extraordinary danger, the constitution; It also gives the president almost complete control of the state.
Who can be elected President?
All adult French citizens who have fulfilled their civil and military obligations are eligible to enter the Presidential race. In addition to the signatures of 500 elected representatives, a declaration of assets is required in order to have their names written on the ballot paper.
How are elections made?
The President is directly elected by the people and must receive an absolute majority of the valid votes cast in order to be elected. Since none of the 12 candidates received more than 50 percent of the vote in the first round, a second round is held between the two candidates who received the most votes. The runoff race will be between liberal President Emmanuel Macron and right-wing populist Marine Le Pen.
Citizens have to vote where their names are on the voter list. The ballot boxes will be open from 08:00 to 19:00 on Sunday, and votes can be cast until 20:00 in big cities. Due to the time difference, some foreign representations started voting as of Saturday.
Is it possible to vote by letter?
Voting by letter is only possible with full power of attorney. Those who are unable to go to the polls to use the vote can delegate someone to vote on their behalf.
Who is overseeing the elections?
It is the duty of the French Constitutional Council to monitor the processes of casting and counting the votes. The council also announces the final results after the votes are counted. It is also among the responsibilities of the Council to examine and decide on allegations of irregularity and objections regarding the elections.
What happens after the election?
The person elected to the Presidency of France usually takes over the post at the Élysée Palace a few days after his election. In the country, it is customary for the Prime Minister, who held his post until the election, to demand the resignation of the government before the President takes over. Thus, the new President appoints the new prime minister.
What are the powers and functions of the parliament?
Although the powers of the President of France are quite broad, their influence is curtailed when he is unable to secure a majority in the parliament. For this reason, the parliamentary elections to be held on 12 and 19 June are of great importance. Because if he loses the majority in the National Assembly, the President is obliged to declare another government. This is a situation that could trigger a political crisis in the country.
dpa,AFP/SÖ,HT