French Elections: Questions and Answers on Potential Far-Right Government Recent polls suggest that the far-right National Rally party may win a majority in the French National Assembly, raising concerns about the implications for President Emmanuel Macron’s governance. 1. Who will Macron appoint as Prime Minister? The President must appoint a Prime Minister who has parliamentary support. If the National Rally wins a majority, its leader, Jordan Bardella, would be offered the position. 2. How does Cohabitation Work? When the President and Prime Minister belong to different parties, power is divided. The first such agreement was formed in 1986 under President François Mitterrand and Prime Minister Jacques Chirac. 3. How Powerful can a Cohabitation Government Be? The Prime Minister typically handles domestic affairs, while the President oversees foreign policy and national security. A National Rally government would have significant power over domestic issues, potentially leading to conflicts with the President. 4. How Well Would Macron and Bardella Work Together? Macron has rejected parts of the National Rally’s program, which could lead to attempts to pressure or oust him. However, they would need to cooperate to prevent a government shutdown. 5. What Happens if the National Rally Doesn’t Achieve a Majority? If the National Rally fails to secure an absolute majority, a deadlock could result. The President cannot dissolve parliament again within a year. The government could use Article 49.3 to pass laws without a vote, but this is controversial. 6. What Would Break a Deadlock in the National Assembly? There is no clear scenario for a stalemate. The parties have not announced their reactions to a minority National Assembly. Options could include an early presidential election, a non-partisan expert government, or the President invoking Article 16 to rule by decree in a crisis situation.France is preparing to vote in a presidential election on April 10, 2022. Incumbent President Emmanuel Macron is seeking re-election, but he faces a crowded field of challengers from both the left and the right. Macron’s main challengers include: * Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally party. Le Pen is a populist who has campaigned on an anti-immigration, anti-EU platform. * Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party. Mélenchon is a socialist who has campaigned on a platform of social justice and economic equality. * Éric Zemmour, a far-right pundit who has campaigned on an anti-immigration, anti-Islam platform. Macron is the favorite to win the election, but the race is expected to be close. The outcome of the election will have a significant impact on the future of France and Europe. If Macron wins re-election, he will continue his reformist agenda, which has included tax cuts, labor market reforms, and a crackdown on immigration. He will also continue to play a leading role in the European Union, where he has been a strong advocate for deeper integration. If Le Pen wins the election, she will likely implement a number of far-right policies, such as reducing immigration, withdrawing from the EU, and repealing same-sex marriage. She would also be likely to take a more confrontational approach to foreign policy, particularly towards the EU and the United States. If Mélenchon wins the election, he will likely implement a number of left-wing policies, such as raising the minimum wage, expanding social welfare programs, and investing in renewable energy. He would also be likely to take a more conciliatory approach to foreign policy, particularly towards the EU and the United States. The outcome of the French presidential election will be closely watched by observers around the world. A Macron victory would be seen as a victory for centrist politics and the European Union. A Le Pen victory would be seen as a victory for the far right and a major setback for the EU. A Mélenchon victory would be seen as a victory for the left and a sign of growing discontent with the status quo.