France: EU, UN, and Military Power

France & the EU

• France is a founding member of the EU, formerly known as the European Economic Community.
• The country has the EU's 2nd largest economy and the world's 7th largest.
• France is a key influencer in the EU, particularly in legislation, climate, trade, agriculture, migration, and the digital economy.
• The Paris Climate Agreement was established in 2015.
• France has 45 UNESCO sites; 39 are cultural, 5 are natural, and 1 is mixed.
• In regards to EU reforms and economic policy, France works closely with Germany.
• France is a Eurozone member that supports EU integration and unity.

France & the UN

• France is one of five permanent Security Council members and possesses veto power.
• France plays a major role in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
• Peacekeeping operations have been led in Africa and the Middle East.
• Advocacy for human rights and conflict resolution are important.

Military Power

• France has one of Europe's largest militaries.
• The country is a NATO leader.
• Global operations occur, especially in Africa and the Middle East.
• France has nuclear power capabilities.

Foreign Policy

• France has an independent foreign policy, balancing tensions between the United States, Russia, and China.
• Aid is actively provided, especially in Africa and former colonies.
• French language and culture is promoted through Alliance Française & La Francophonie.

Immigration

• Historical immigration has come from Africa, Maghreb, and Indochina.
• Integration, jobs, discrimination, housing, and education are ongoing challenges.
• Debates surround secularism, Islam, burqa bans, halal food, and national identity with immigration.
• 10% of the population consists of people born as foreigners.
• 20% of French people have at least one foreign parent or grandparent.
• 44% of immigrants are from Africa, while 14% are from Asia.
• 6% of all foreigners are refugees.
• There were 600,000 refugees in 2022, with France as the main asylum host.
• Strict border policies are in place with the Schengen Area, making the asylum process long and difficult.
• France used to be the most open EU country for immigration, but this is no longer the case.

Economy

• The GDP is $3 trillion (2024) with a 1.3% growth rate.
• Paris Agreement investments total €50 billion per year.
• The unemployment rate is 7.1% overall, with 18% among youth.
• Inflation is at 4.5%.
• The public debt is €3.3 trillion.
• The trade deficit consists of €650 billion in exports and €740 billion in imports.
• Key trade partners include Germany, China, the US, and the EU.
• The budget deficit is 4.9% of GDP.
• Main industries include tourism, defense, energy, fashion, space research, agriculture, transport, and aircraft.
• France is the largest agricultural exporter in Europe, with €74 billion in exports per year, including wheat, wine, and dairy.
• Tourism revenue generates €60 billion per year.
• Key companies include Airbus (aerospace), Renault & Peugeot (automotive), and LVMH (luxury).
• A weakness is the small amount of exporting companies, loss of competitiveness and market share, small product range, and a lack of innovation efforts.
• France initiated the G-20, hosts the OECD, and is a member of the G-7 and World Trade Organization.

Labor & Taxes

• A standard work week is 35 hours.
• The minimum wage is €1,766 per month (€11.06 per hour gross, €8.76 per hour net).
• Union membership is 8%, but strikes are common.
• Income tax rates include 0% for income under €10,225 and 45% for income over €160,336.
• Social security was established in 1945, with CMU in 2019.
• Taxes are collected by the government at the source since 2019.
• A succession tax exists.
• Strikes often precede negotiations, especially concerning state-owned companies like transportation, raising the retirement age, or adjusting benefits.
• The country has the weakest union representation in Europe with only 11% of employees in unions.

Welfare

• France has the highest welfare spending in the OECD (32% of GDP).
• Universal healthcare coverage is 99%, costing €270 billion per year.
• Family support totals €52 billion per year.
• Social housing expenditures are €18 billion per year.
• Unemployment benefits last for 2 years, costing €40 billion per year.
• 14% of GDP is spent on pensions.
• Minimum pension guarantees exist for those with low wages, intermittent careers, parents, and those facing unemployment.
• Maternity leave is 16 weeks, while paternity leave is 25 days.
• Free hearing aids, glasses, and dental care are provided.
• The retirement age is 64.
• There are 1.7 workers per retiree (2024), leading to financial strain.
• There are 42 different pension schemes, causing inefficiencies and disparities.

Law Enforcement

• A dual law enforcement system exists, with police forces nationalized in 1851.
• Police Nationale is a civilian police force responsible for crime investigation, counter-terrorism, and immigration in urban areas, created in 1941.
  • There are 125,000 officers under the Ministry of the Interior.
• Gendarmerie Nationale is a military police force responsible for rural areas and national security.
  • Works under the Ministry of Armed Forces.
• Police Municipale is a municipal police force with 10,000 officers operating in 2,860 localities.
• Other forces include GIGN (SWAT), PAF (border patrol), RG (intelligence), PJ (criminal investigation), SDT (espionage), RAID (anti-terrorism), CSP (guard government buildings), Douane (trade & smuggling), CRS (crowd, riot, beaches).

Public Safety

• Police can stop and demand identification at any time.
• Individuals can be detained for 24 hours without charge, with access to a lawyer within three hours.
  • Detention can be extended up to five days for state security offenses.
• Officers can issue on-the-spot fines for traffic offenses.
• Every French resident has a police record, even if blank.
• Lost or stolen property must be reported to police within 24 hours for insurance claims.

Public Perception

• The 2015 Paris terror attacks improved police reputation, but tensions have since risen.
• Accusations of police brutality and racism have led to riots.
• The government aims to improve cooperation between the Police Nationale and Gendarmerie, though they traditionally operate separately.

Legal System

• The legal system is based on civil law, using written codes and statutes rather than case law.
• Judicial independence exists, with courts operating without executive interference.
• It operates an inquisitorial system where judges play an active role in investigations.

Court Structure

• Tribunal de Police handles minor offenses.
• Tribunal Correctionnel deals with more serious cases with a judge but no jury.
• Cour d'Assises handles major crimes, with a panel of 9 random citizens and 3 judges.
• Conseil d'État is an administrative court for government-related disputes.

Judges & Prosecutors

• Judges conduct investigations and oversee trials.
• Prosecutors represent the state in criminal cases.

Presumption of Innocence

• As stated in the 1958 Constitution, Article 66, all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
• The prosecutor must prove guilt.
• Conviction requires guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Penalties

• Minor infractions incur fines ranging from €35 to €3,000.
• More serious offenses result in fines from €3,750 to 10 years in prison.
• Major offenses can lead to sentences of 10 years to life.
• Life sentences are possible.
  • Inmates serving life may apply for parole after 18 years (22 years for repeat offenders).
  • Only four people have received true life sentences in France.
  • In cases of child murder with rape/torture, the court may extend sentences up to 30 years or deny parole.
• The death penalty has been abolished since 1981.

Prison

• A new record of 74,513 incarcerated people was recorded as of July 2023, with a density of 123%.
• Female prisoners make up 3.3% of the population and are in overcrowded and under-equipped prisons.
• There are 60,666 operational prisons.
• Short Stay Prisons house defendants waiting for trial or those sentenced to less than 2 years, and are mostly overcrowded with a rate of 130%.
• There are 25 Detention Centers for inmates with the highest chance of social reintegration.
• There are 6 Central Houses, which are high-security facilities for long-term, dangerous prisoners.
• 9 Semi-Release Centers allow inmates to leave for work or rehabilitation programs.
• 59 Large Penitentiary Centers contain multiple facilities with varying detention regimes.

Strange Laws

• Illegal Laws:
  • Women wearing pants in Paris was illegal until 2013
  • Alcohol in a place of work, except beer, wine, and cider while eating is illegal
  • Disinheriting your children is illegal
  • Child beauty pageants are illegal
  • Religious symbols (headscarves & crosses) in public schools are illegal
  • Swimming shorts in public pools are illegal
  • Desk lunches are illegal
  • Mowing your lawn on Sunday afternoon is illegal
• Legal Laws:
  • Marrying a dead person is legal
• Rules:
  • Law dictates how bakers make and sell a baguette
  • Gilet jaune and a triangle must be in your vehicle
  • 40% of music on radio stations must be played in French

Executive Branch

• President:
  • The President is the Head of State and Executive
  • They can dismiss the National Assembly, chairs the Council of Ministers, leads foreign policy, negotiates, and ratifies treaties, heads the Armed Forces, can call referenda and enforce laws, and has a limited suspensive veto.
  • Article 16 allows the President to assume emergency powers, concentrating all state power in the presidency.
  • All domestic decisions must be approved by the Prime Minister, with power depending on parliamentary majority.
• Prime Minister:
  • The Prime Minister is appointed by the President but must be accepted by Parliament.
  • If opposition parties dominate Parliament, the President must appoint a Prime Minister from the opposition, a policy started in 1986.
  • The Prime Minister determines governmental policy, controls the civil service and armed forces, and internal policies are increasingly led by the Prime Minister since the 1970s.

Legislative Branch

• National Assembly: Lower House.
  • This house has the final say in legislative process and specializes in scrutinizing government business.
• Senate: Upper House.
  • Has 348 senators serving 6-year terms.
  • Senators are indirectly elected by local officials and French citizens abroad.
  • Specializes in constitutional matters & foreign affairs (including European integration).
• The legislative process involves both houses, but the National Assembly prevails.
  • Article 34 states that Parliament controls civil law, fiscal law, penal law, elections, civil liberties, labor laws, amnesty, and the budget.

Judicial Branch

• Constitutional Council, like the Supreme Court.
  • Composed of 9 members appointed for 9-year terms: 3 by the President, 3 by the National Assembly, and 3 by the Senate.
  • Oversees parliamentary & presidential elections, reviews constitutionality of laws, and is consulted on international agreements & disputes between government and Parliament.

Why Semi-Presidential System?

• France lacked stability under the Third & Fourth Republics.
• The 1958 Constitution created a mixed system.
  • Parliamentary elements (Prime Minister accountable to Parliament).
  • Presidential elements (President elected by universal suffrage).

Key Constitutional Changes

• 1958: Fifth Republic established.
• 1962: President elected by direct universal suffrage.
• 1999: Recognized International Criminal Court.
• 2000: Presidential term shortened from 7 to 5 years.
• 2024: Adoption of Freedom of Abortion Law.

Elections

• Elections are held on Sundays (2-round system).
• Voting is NOT mandatory.
• Voters can cast a blank vote ('vote blanc') as a form of protest.
• Abstention rates are increasing.

Election Terms

• Presidential: 5 years.
• Legislative: 5 years, 577 National Assembly members.
• Regional: 6 years. Regional councils in mainland & overseas France.
• Municipal: 6 years, 36,000 communes elect mayors & councils.
• Cantonal: 4 years, 2,054 cantons (subdivisions of departments).

Political Parties

• Centralist: LREM
• Right-wing: LR
• Far-right: RN
• Left-wing: LFI, PS

Local Government

• Regions:
  • There are 18 regions, including 13 mainland and 5 overseas.
  • Special status regions include Corsica (greater autonomy), Paris, Lyon, and Marseille (unique administration).
  • Since 1982, regions have power over economic/social development, education, & culture.
• Departments:
  • Established in 1790, it is the main intermediate government level.
  • There are 101 departments, including 96 mainland and 5 overseas.
  • Run by General Councils (elected for 6 years).
  • Responsibilities include welfare, health, employment, and local regulations.
• Communes:
  • The smallest unit of government with roots in the ancien régime.
  • Governed by municipal councils.
  • The Mayor is the chief executive & government representative.
  • A 1982 reform reduced central government supervision.

Political Issues

• Pension reforms & protests.
• Immigration & integration debates.
• Environmental policies & energy transition.
• Rise of far-right & populism.

Fun Facts

• The last guillotine execution was in 1977.
• There have been 15 constitutions since 1789.
• The May 1968 protests almost collapsed the government.
• Since 2000, equal male/female candidates have been required.
• Protests are a national tradition.
• Presidents Mitterrand & Giscard d'Estaing were published writers.

Education

• Highly Centralized: Managed by the French Ministry of Education.
• Mandatory and Free: Ages 3 to 16.
• Standardized Curriculum: Consistent across the country.
• Strong focus on French language and civic education, emphasis on secularism in public schools, rigorous national exams.

Primary Education

• Preschool: Ages 3–6.
• Elementary School: Ages 6-11.
• Subjects Taught: French, Math, Basic Sciences, History, Geography, Arts, and Introduction to a foreign language (typically English).

Secondary Education

• Middle School, Ages 11-15.
  • Ends with DNB.
  • Exam: Brevet des Collèges testing core subjects.
• High School, Ages 15–18.
  • Tracks: General (academic-focused), technological (applied sciences & industry), or vocational (practical job training).
  • Exams: Baccalauréat (university admission) or Concours (Grandes écoles).

Higher Education

• Universities: Licence, Master, Doctorat.
• Grandes Écoles: Prestigious, competitive institutions for specialized fields, similar to Ivy League schools.
• Other Institutions: Schools for arts, design, and technology.

Historical Backgrounds of Education

• 1804-1815: Napoleon's First Empire established a centralized education system.
• 1881: Free and compulsory primary and secondary education (ages 6-13).
• 1959: Extended mandatory schooling to age 16.
• 1963: Secondary education in Collèges became accessible to all.
• 2019: Lowered starting age for mandatory schooling to 3 years old.

School Structure

• State Schools: Fully government-funded and controlled.
• State-Funded Private Schools: Must adhere to the national curriculum; teachers are paid by the state.
• Privately Funded Schools: Subject to government inspection.
• Geographic School Assignment: Public school placement is determined by residence.
• No School Board Elections: Parents have limited influence over teaching.

Teaching in Education

• Teacher-student relationships are strict and formal.
• There are longer School Days, often including a full or half-day closure on Wednesdays.
• No School Uniforms are required at any education level.
• Limited Extracurricular Activities, with no school sports teams or clubs due to funding focus on academics.
• A Grading System Out of 20 is used.

Costs and Access to Education

• There are 79 Public Universities, 227 Engineering Schools, and 220 Business Schools known as Grandes Écoles.
• Public Universities:
  • These are essentially free, with students paying low administrative fees.
    • Bachelor's: €170 per year.
    • Master's: €243 per year.
    • Doctorate: €380 per year.
    • Engineering: €610 per year.
• Private Universities: Average €10,000 per year.

Academic Performance

• Diploma Success Rates (2023):
  • Brevet des Collèges: 89.1% pass rate.
  • Baccalauréat: 90.9% pass rate.
• France in Global Education Rankings:
  • OECD PISA Ranking: 26th out of 41 countries (2023).
  • Reading, Literacy, Math, Science Score: 494 (above the OECD average of 488).
  • 71 Nobel Prize winners—the 4th highest globally.

School Schedule

• 36 weeks or 180 days of school.
• There are 8-9 weeks of summer break.
• There are 2 weeks each for Fall, Christmas, Winter, and Spring breaks.
• 26-28 hours of school weekly.
• Class size:
  • Secondary: 25.8.
  • High school: 30.4.

Pros and Cons of Education

• Education is highly structured and academically rigorous. Universally free education. There is a strong focus on civic education and national unity.
• Limited extracurricular activities exist, with no graduation ceremonies and a rigid system that tracks students early into specific educational paths.