Cohabitation in the Fifth Republic

1
Cohabitation in the Fifth Republic

• When and Why does it occur?
• What are the consequences?
• Evaluating Good government / Bad Government?

2
Cohabitations Readings

• Stevens, ch. 4
• Elgie,
• Knapp,

3
Cohabitation Experiences

• 1986-88
• 1993-95
• 1997-2002

• Chirac-Mitterrand
• Balladur-Mitterrand
• Jospin-Chirac

4
Evaluating Cohabitation

• Divided Government or Shared Power, French Style?
  
• What power(s) does the President retain?
• Gridlock or Compromise?
• Why Cohabitation is now less likely to occur?