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France votes: What is different in the neighboring country?
Elections will take place in France on Sunday – the polling booths are ready. Photo: Lewis Joly/AP/dpa
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In France, the president is much more powerful than the prime minister – unlike the federal president. There are also some differences to Germany when it comes to the election.
When the French go to the polls on Sunday, most of the candidates for the presidency will already have been eliminated. And in contrast to the German Federal President, the French head of state has a decisive influence on the country’s politics. When it comes to the election of the President in France, important things are also different in neighboring Germany. The most important key points explained in a compact way:
What is the President allowed to do?
France’s president has a lot of power and is significantly more influential than the head of government. The head of state is the head of the army and can decide on military operations and the use of nuclear weapons. For longer operations or a declaration of war, the President needs the approval of Parliament. He appoints the Prime Minister and, on his recommendation, the other government ministers.
The head of state leads the weekly cabinet meeting, in which legislative proposals are discussed. Parliament passes laws. The President can dissolve the National Assembly and call referendums. In dangerous situations, the constitution grants him near-total control over the state.
Who can become President?
All adults with French citizenship can compete if they have fulfilled their civil or military service obligations. In order to end up on the ballot paper, 500 signatures from elected representatives as well as proof of assets and interests are then required.
How is elected?
The head of state is elected directly by the people and requires an absolute majority of the votes cast. Since none of the twelve candidates got more than 50 percent in the first round, there is now a runoff between the two best-placed: the liberal incumbent Emmanuel Macron and the right-wing populist Marine Le Pen. Around 48.7 million eligible voters can vote. There is no minimum turnout.
When and where is elected?
Polling stations are open on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in large cities until 8 p.m. Because of the time difference, some overseas territories and some foreign missions should already vote on Saturday. Everyone must cast their vote where they are entered on the electoral list.
Is there postal voting?
No, it is possible to vote by proxy. If a voter is unable to attend, they can authorize someone to vote for them. However, the proxy must do so at the local polling station of the person they are representing.
Who oversees the election?
The French Constitutional Council supervises the casting and counting of the votes and then announces the result. He also decides in the case of complaints and irregularities.
What’s next after the election?
France’s new head of state usually assumes power in the Élysée Palace just a few days after his election. It is common in France for the previous prime minister to offer to resign before the handover in the Élysée. The head of state can now appoint a new prime minister.
And what about Parliament?
Although the French leader wields a great deal of power, without a parliamentary majority his influence dwindles. Therefore, the parliamentary elections on June 12th and 19th are of great importance. Without a majority in the Assemblée Nationale, the President would be forced to appoint a government made up of politicians from a different political camp. The prime minister then becomes much more important. There could even be a threat of a political blockade in the country.