Introduction
Introduction

Author(s): Elżbieta Kaca, Dorota Liszczyk
Subject(s): National Economy, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Economic development, Geopolitics
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: France; French politics; president François Hollande; European Union; European issues; Eurozone; economic growth;
Summary/Abstract: The French political landscape completely changed after the last presidential and parliamentary elections, as the Socialist Party acquired a political monopoly. They have gained a majority in the Senate and won an absolute majority in the National Assembly. Most importantly, Socialist candidate François Hollande managed to defeat the incumbent and centre-right candidate Nicolas Sarkozy to become president. On 6 May 2012, Hollande won the election with 51.64% of votes compared to 48.36% for his opponent. Therefore after three failed attempts (in 1995, 2002 and 2007) the Left returned to Élysée Palace.

• Details
• Contents