| Publication |
2012.
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| Summary/Abstract |
IN FRANCE, presidential campaigns and elections are always impressive and memorable events, the results of which extend for the next five years. No wonder, the public and the political class alike try to reassess the realities in an effort to arrive at more or less clear ideas on the key issues of the country's external and internal policies. The president is elected by direct general vote; each of the French citizens over 18 has the right to vote and, therefore, determine the outcome. This explains the high legitimacy of the president who enjoys wide powers, especially in foreign policy, under the Constitution of the Fifth Republic. People prefer charismatic politicians and brilliant personalities yet the programs of the contenders are no less important. In other words, the future of the country, at least for the next five years, depends on people's vote.
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