Robert Elgie

Political Institutions in Contemporary France recognizes that French politics are at the very heart of contemporary European developments. Robert Elgie – among the best-known experts in French politics – has focused on the institutions of the Fifth Republic and now brings together all the key information students of French Politics or Comparative Politics need. Elgie explains in a concise and coherent way how the legal and constitutional powers of the country have developed, how the decision-making process happens in procedure and practice, and how the political system has changed since 1958.

The book enables readers to take an informed view of the full range of French political institutions – from the party system to local government – by examining the key relationships that shape modern practices. Key features provide focused coverage of all the essential information, in tables, figures and exhibits.

Elgie gives detailed consideration to all relevant events and debates affecting French institutions, up to and including the 2002 presidential and legislative elections, usefully setting the French experience in the context of other European systems.