Prime Minister of France

Role and powers

The Prime Minister sets the agenda for government action, oversees the civil service, proposes ministers and chairs meetings of ministers when the President is not presiding. The Prime Minister and the cabinet prepare legislation and may submit bills to Parliament. Under the Constitution the Prime Minister also has tools to ensure passage of key measures and bears political responsibility for government policies before the National Assembly.

Appointment, tenure and parliamentary accountability

The President of the Republic appoints the Prime Minister, who must then maintain the confidence of the National Assembly to govern effectively. A Prime Minister can be dismissed by the President or forced to resign after losing a vote of no confidence. Periods of "cohabitation" occur when the President and the parliamentary majority are from different parties, in which case the Prime Minister frequently exercises greater control over domestic policy while the President focuses on foreign affairs and defense. For more on the executive's workings, see the government overview at government.

History and development

The modern office was shaped by the Constitution of the Fifth Republic (1958), which strengthened the presidency compared with earlier republics while retaining a distinct head of government. Over time the balance of authority between President and Prime Minister has varied with political circumstances and the personalities in office. The residence and office of the Prime Minister is the Hôtel Matignon in Paris.

Importance and notable facts

• There is no fixed term: a Prime Minister serves at the President's pleasure and subject to parliamentary confidence.
• During times of political division, the Prime Minister often becomes the central figure for domestic legislation and parliamentary relations.
• The Prime Minister signs many decrees and directs government departments day-to-day.

As of 16 May 2022 the office is held by Élisabeth Borne, who was appointed by Emmanuel Macron. The role remains a key link between the presidency, the ministries and Parliament in France's contemporary political system.