The French Elections of 2022: Features, Results, and Consequences

The results of the presidential and parliamentary elections in France in 2022, which took place in specific conditions caused by the increase in energy and socio-economic problems in the country against the background of military operations in Ukraine, are analyzed. Despite the re-election of President E. Macron for a second term, the loss of an absolute pro-government majority in the National Assembly (the lower house of the French Parliament) following the parliamentary elections significantly complicated the implementation of his election program. In particular, the inability, as before, constantly to use article 49-3 of the Constitution of the country to adopt laws, in fact contrary to the opinion of deputies, required the President and the government to start searching for compromises and possible allies, as well as to adjust the political course. However, the significant strengthening of nonsystemic political forces in the lower house of Parliament, both the far-left Unconquered France and, especially, the far-right National Rally, coupled with the reluctance of The Republicans to enter into a coalition with the presidential majority, complicates the plans of the Head of State. The prospects of further evolution of the country’s party–political system, as well as the preparation of the main political forces of the country for the next electoral cycle of 2027, are considered.