The dispute over key powers is causing uncertainty and fear in France and its EU and NATO partners alike, with all signs pointing to a period of political instability in the nuclear-armed nation of 68 million people.
In France, this would not be the first time that the president and prime minister belong to different parties, but this has always meant cooperation between parties with a similar world outlook.
In her high-profile remarks, Le Pen described the title of supreme commander given by the French president as an “honorary title” and said real power, especially over the budget, rested with the prime minister and the government she leads.
The statements of the opposition forces did not go unanswered. Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu quoted former President Charles de Gaulle in his post on X.
According to the Constitution, the President is the guarantor of the country's independence and integrity, as well as the treaties that bind the country. In short, he is responsible for France.
He quoted Minister De Gaulle’s speech in 1962, then added:
In order to fulfill this primary responsibility, the head of state needs sufficient resources. The Constitution gives him these.
Regarding the legal system in France, the situation is not nearly so clear.
Constitutional lawyers have pointed out that the division of defense-related roles in the French Constitution is not, in fact, clearly defined.
-This is one of the less obvious points.
said expert Bertrand Mathieu. But the issue has not played an important role so far, because there have been no major differences. According to constitutional law expert Mathieu Carpentier, tensions may arise over the issue of sending French military trainers to Ukraine. Ultimately, such a decision must be made jointly by the President and the Prime Minister.
– The risk of a political crisis is very high
– Tell.
It is already certain that early parliamentary elections will have consequences not only at the national level, but also for the whole of Europe.
Cover photo: Marine Le Pen, leader of the French National Integration party (Photo: AFP)
