The document provides an overview of French political economy, including its history, government structure, and economic policies. It summarizes that France has a hybrid presidential-parliamentary republican government with a strong civil service. It also discusses France's tradition of statism in managing its economy through Keynesian policies and welfare programs, though it has shifted in recent decades toward more market-driven policies and reforms.

1. Bleu. Blanc. Rouge.
(Blue.) (White.) (Red.)

2. The
French
Republic

3. Overview
Historical and cultural antecedents of French
Political Economy
The structure of the Fifth French Republic
French political dynamics
Some notes on statist French management of the
economy

4. At-a-Glance
France is the largest West European nation on
continental Europe.
The French Republic is the fifth such republic in
France’s history.
The French Republic is a consensual democracy with a
hybrid presidential-parliamentary form of government.
Its structure is unitary, possessing a bicameral
legislature characterized by a multiparty system within
a majoritarian electoral system.

5. Perspective
The key to understanding French political economy
lies in an appreciation of the country’s history and the
emergence of its political culture.
This helps explain the bouts of political instability
that have beset the nation since the late 18th
century.
It is also in this context that the unique features of
the present government can be comprehended.

6. In Broad Strokes
Characteristics of the French Social Order:
1. Peasant Origins
2. Regional Sectionalism
3. Class Consciousness
4. Roman Catholic Heritage
5. Engendered Nationalism and Modern Gaullism
The two most significant historical events in French
history were the French Revolution (1789) and the
assumption of leadership by de Gaulle (1944-1969).

7. Continuities & Contradictions
France’s history of revolutions and imperialism help
account for the perceived instability of French politics.
Central to these have been the view of the state as
an instrument for promoting the national interest.
However, the struggle for control over that
mechanism has resulted in partisanship and at times
the failure of established governments.
The consequence has been a pronounced aversion
to dictatorial (i.e. non-republican) authority.

8. Continuities & Contradictions
The underlying individualism in French culture
explains the French affinity for republican ideals.
To some degree, this also explains the partisan
nature of French politics.
There is also a pronounced nationalism that rallies
around French identity and civilization.
Thus, the underlying logic of French politics seems
to be a search for groups/individuals that can
actualize the ideals of the French nation.

9. Continuities & Contradictions
French society seems to regard political authority
with reserved respect.
The tendency to hero-worship exemplars of French
ideals is balanced by a muted contempt towards
politicians.
At the same time, there is a great amount of
prestige associated with the civil service.

10. In Short
!e French want:
...a quot;rong quot;ate ...
...a republican quot;ate ...
...and a #quot;inctly French quot;at$

11. The Structure
of French Government

12. President
National
Assembly
Electorate

13. President Prime Minister
(Head of State) (Head of Government)
National
Senate Assembly
(321 Seats) (577 Seats)
Senate 4 Senate Assembly 6 Assembly
President Vice-Presidents President Vice-Presidents
Départements City Councils
Electorate

14. President Prime Minister
(Head of State) (Head of Government) Constitutional
Council
National
Senate Assembly
(321 Seats) (577 Seats)
Council
Senate 4 Senate Assembly 6 Assembly of State
President Vice-Presidents President Vice-Presidents
Départements City Councils
Court
of Cassation
Electorate

15. The Civil Service
France possesses a strong and highly institutionalized
bureaucracy.
Employment in the civil service is permanent and
viewed with much prestige.
Career public service (the Grand Corps) is closely
tied to one’s educational background (via the Grand
Écoles).
Members of the civil service undertake numerous
assignments in the course of their careers and are
often sought after in the private sector as well
(owing to their training).

16. The Civil Service
Significance of the Civil Service:
1. The centralized nature of the civil service levels
the playing field in terms of the delivery of
government services.
2. It has also served as a unifying factor for a country
marked by division according to regional lines.
3. The ability of the French civil service to attract
the best and brightest in French society has
allowed it to be a significant force for social
change.

17. French Economic Statism
The post-WWII French economy was characterized
by a desire to develop a more or less social market
economy.
Central role of the French state: adoption of
Keynesian economic policies as well as numerous
social welfare policies.
The role of the state to spur economic growth and
development was necessary to overcome deeply
rooted characteristics of French business culture.
As such, the state’s role in the short-term was seen
as strategic; over the long-term, permanent.

18. French Economic Statism
State management of the economy was largely
successful over a period of over 20 years.
However, the limits of state-led growth began to take
its toll towards the 1980s:
Reduced firm-level profit and investment capacity.
Declining international competitiveness of the labor
force (owing to welfare policies).
Inability to combat recessions and ineffective
regulation.
Increased burden taxpayers to finance policies.

19. French Economic Statism
As a result, French economic policy has shifted to
become more market-driven with policies to ensure
social welfare commitments.
These have been accompanied by structural and
policy reforms initiated by government.
1. Decentralization of wage determination.
2. Denationalization and privatization of industry
champions.
3. Abandonment of monetary policy as an
economic policy instrument.

20. Vive Apple!