The President of the Republic
Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic
Elysée, L. BLEVENNEC
The Head of State is elected for a five-year term by direct universal suffrage (establishment of the five-year term following the referendum of 24 September 2000). Nicolas Sarkozy became the sixth President of the Fifth Republic on May 6 2007.
The President of the Republic appoints the Prime Minister and, on the latter's recommendation, appoints the other members of the Government (Article 8 of the Constitution).
He presides over the Council of Ministers, promulgates laws and is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He may dissolve the National Assembly and, in an emergency, exercise special powers (article 16).
www.elysee.fr (FR)
- Sources: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
- Updated: 25.06.2008
