Institutional power file · Élysée

French Presidency

How France's semi-presidential constitution divides executive authority between the president, prime minister, government and parliament.

Power mechanisms

Where authority actually moves

01Presidential appointment powers

02Foreign and defence role

03Dissolution

04Shared executive authority

How the institution works

Evergreen explainers

How Power Works

How France's Article 49.3 Actually Works

Article 49.3 lets the French government make passage of certain legislation a question of confidence, but the National Assembly can respond with a motion of no confidence.

Latest analysis

3 related pieces

2026-09-23
News

France Drafts UN Security Council Proposal for International Hormuz Shipping Mission

Paris is working with Washington on a Security Council resolution aimed at restoring commercial movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

2026-09-23
News

Macron Says He Discussed Ukraine-Russia Energy-Strike Moratorium With Trump

The French president said talks with Donald Trump covered proposals to halt attacks on energy infrastructure and strengthen Ukraine's defensive capabilities.

2026-09-14
Analysis

France's Centre Is Not Being Squeezed. It Is Being Hollowed Out

With Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon leading many 2027 scenarios, France is approaching an election in which the old centre may no longer define the terms of debate.

Primary record

Start with the institution itself

These links provide the formal rules or institutional description underlying this power file. State & Power analysis is kept separate from the primary record.

Primary sourceÉlysée: Presidency of the Republic↗