La Vème République : De la république gaullienne à l'alternance et à la cohabitation

Summary

This video delves into the evolution of the Fifth French Republic, from its origins in 1958, following the instability of the Fourth Republic, to its transformation under leaders like Charles de Gaulle and François Mitterrand. The focus is on the creation of a strong presidential system, de Gaulle's international policies, the social movements of the 1960s, and the subsequent changes including political alternations and cohabitations. The video also explores key reforms like the shift to a five-year presidential term, showcasing how the Republic adapted to political, social, and international shifts over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Fifth Republic was created in 1958, largely due to the instability of the Fourth Republic, which faced both political fragmentation and colonial issues, particularly the Algerian War.
• 😀 Charles de Gaulle's return to power in 1958 marked the beginning of the Fifth Republic, which introduced a new constitution that was approved by 79% of French voters.
• 😀 The Fifth Republic established a strong presidential system, granting the president significant powers, such as appointing the prime minister, dissolving the National Assembly, and calling for referendums.
• 😀 The election of the president by direct universal suffrage in 1962 further legitimized the presidential powers within the Fifth Republic.
• 😀 Charles de Gaulle pursued a foreign policy of national grandeur, including the development of nuclear weapons and an independent diplomatic stance during the Cold War.
• 😀 De Gaulle's leadership also focused on decolonization, notably ending the Algerian War with the 1962 Evian Accords, and supporting African nations' independence through cooperation.
• 😀 The May 1968 crisis in France, sparked by student protests and labor strikes, led to a temporary decline in de Gaulle's popularity but was followed by a strong electoral victory for the Gaullists.
• 😀 After de Gaulle's resignation in 1969 following a referendum defeat, Georges Pompidou's election continued the legacy of the Fifth Republic, despite changes in leadership.
• 😀 The Fifth Republic's institutions faced challenges in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, notably with alternations of political power between the left and the right, including François Mitterrand's 1981 election.
• 😀 The Fifth Republic adapted to situations of cohabitation, where the president and prime minister came from different political factions, as seen in the 1986 and 1997 cohabitation scenarios.
• 😀 In 2000, a referendum reduced the presidential term from seven to five years, aligning it with the legislative term to prevent cohabitation and ensure a clearer political mandate for the president.

Q & A

What were the main reasons for the instability of the Fourth Republic?

The Fourth Republic faced two major difficulties: political instability and the colonial issue. The political instability stemmed from a fragmented political landscape, where no clear majority emerged, leading to frequent government changes. The colonial issue, particularly the Algerian War starting in 1954, further weakened the regime.

How did Charles de Gaulle become the key figure in the creation of the Fifth Republic?

Charles de Gaulle was invited back to power in 1958 after a crisis in Algeria. The French Assembly appointed him as the head of the government, and he proceeded to create a new constitution, which was accepted by 79% of French voters. This led to the establishment of the Fifth Republic.

What was the major constitutional change in the Fifth Republic compared to the Fourth Republic?

The major change was the establishment of a strong presidential system. Unlike the Fourth Republic's parliamentary system, where the government could be easily overthrown by the legislature, the Fifth Republic's constitution empowered the president with significant executive authority, including the ability to dissolve the National Assembly and call referendums.

How did Charles de Gaulle assert France's power internationally during his presidency?

De Gaulle pursued a policy of grandeur, ensuring France was taken seriously by both the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. He prioritized French nuclear capabilities and promoted France as an independent diplomatic power, refusing to align strictly with either of the superpower blocs.

What were the main outcomes of Charles de Gaulle's presidency during the 1960s?

During his presidency, de Gaulle oversaw the end of the Algerian War with the 1962 Evian Accords, the granting of independence to Sub-Saharan African colonies, and the development of France's nuclear energy sector. These policies were aimed at strengthening France's independence and international standing.

How did the events of May 1968 challenge Charles de Gaulle's presidency?

May 1968 saw massive protests, initially led by Parisian students and later joined by workers across France. These protests challenged the social order and criticized de Gaulle as a symbol of an outdated society. Although de Gaulle survived by calling for elections, his authority was weakened, and he eventually resigned after a failed referendum in 1969.

What was the significance of the 1981 presidential election?

The 1981 election marked the first time since the establishment of the Fifth Republic that the left-wing party, led by François Mitterrand, came to power. This event, known as 'alternance,' demonstrated the adaptability of the Fifth Republic’s system to political shifts.

How did the French political system adapt during cohabitation periods?

Cohabitation occurred when the president and the majority in the National Assembly came from different political parties. This situation required the president to appoint a prime minister from the opposing side, often leading to power struggles. Despite this, the president retained significant authority, such as control over the military and foreign relations.

What was the purpose of Jacques Chirac’s 2000 referendum on presidential term limits?

In 2000, Jacques Chirac proposed reducing the presidential term from seven to five years to align with the legislative term. This reform aimed to prevent future cohabitation by ensuring that presidential and legislative elections occurred at the same time, thereby improving the chances of a president securing a parliamentary majority.

What were some of the social reforms introduced during François Mitterrand’s presidency?

Under François Mitterrand's presidency, significant social reforms included the abolition of the death penalty in 1981 and the introduction of the fifth week of paid vacation in 1982. These measures responded to changing societal needs and reflected the government’s progressive stance.