Overview
This new edition of the successful textbook provides a thorough examination of French politics at the turn of the century. It explains and sets in context all aspects of French politics, taking into account recent developments as well as the background and structure of the French political system. The main focus of the book is on the structure of power in France, looking at the Fifth Republic as a system of majority politics organized for and against the presidency. It examines principally the competition and coalition-building between parties for the presidency and the effect of this on political life in France.
Synopsis
The Fifth Republic has lasted longer than any of the French Republics but the Third. Bell (politics, U. of Leeds) examines the political structures of the Fifth Republic and analyzes how it how it effects political parties, local government, pressure groups, and social developments. He focuses on the office of the presidency, arguing that since it has no constitutional base of power it requires the mobilization of political support, otherwise executive power can quickly devolve to the Prime Minister. He focuses on how the forces of political opposition contend for power and how that affects political life. Distributed by Palgrave. Annotation c. Book News, Inc.,Portland, OR