Anne-Charlène Bezzina says France is experiencing a political crisis rather than a crisis of its regime. In her latest book, “Retrouver le peuple. Pour un nouveau contrat social,” the constitutional law expert argues that the Fifth Republic remains standing because of the constitutional texts that underpin its legitimacy and stability.
Speaking to Le Figaro, Bezzina described the recent unrest as the result of several crises converging: social and economic difficulties, alongside problems with the political response and the effectiveness of public policy. She said these pressures were visible in the October riots.
Bezzina also characterized the moment as the end of a political cycle. In her view, the current government lacks the ability to act over the long term and cannot make promises because it no longer has the means to fulfil its ambitions.
Bezzina is a senior lecturer in public law at the University of Rouen and an associate researcher at Sciences Po’s Cevipof. Her book was published by PUF in 2026.
Sources: Le Figaro.