Foreign Policy in the Political System of the Fifth French Republic Decision Making and Main Actors
Foreign Policy in the Political System of the Fifth French Republic Decision Making and Main Actors

Summary/Abstract: This article offers an analysis of the French political system and its influece on the foreign policy of the Fifth Republic. The uniqueness of the constitutional system and the division of power between the main actors is essential in understanding French policy in the international arena. The article discusses the role of the president, government, ministry of foreign affairs and the parliament in the perspective of their constitutional rights. The author came to the conclusion that the key actor in French foreign policy is the president. However, his real power depends mostly on current political situation. when the president and the prime minister come from different parties (cohabitation), his authority is limited, though he possesses full power in the so-called "domain reserve". The role of the foreign affairs minister also depends on the relations with the president, but usually his autonomy is restricted. Finally, parliamentary authority is limited to treaty ratification and monitoring of the international activity of the government.

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