Just 72 hours before the crucial French legislative election, Marine Le Pen, a far-right politician, triggered a discussion about who would assume control of the military when her party takes over from other factions after two rounds of voting.
The snap polls are pushing France into uncharted waters and political scientists are grappling with President Macron who appears to be hostile to most of his policies and a PM if there is a majority for Le Pen’s National Rally in the National Assembly. He has three years left as president.
Le Pen has repeatedly said that Jordan Bardella, her protégé would head the next French government in case their party wins. She hinted in an interview that some matters concerning France’s defense and armed forces will also be delegate to Bardella 28 years old. “Being the commander-in-chief of our armed forces is an honorary title for our president because it is really our prime minister who holds the reins,” she said.
According to France’s constitution “the President of the Republic is the head of the armed forces.” However, “the PM is responsible for national defence,” states also its constitution. Experts of constitutional law argue about whether or not it is within this context that PM’s role on foreign policy can be see in terms of national security as well. Historian Jean Garrigues said “the president is commander-in-chief (of) he doesn’t have any army but it’s the prime minister who does.” In other words, if President decided to send troops to Ukraine tomorrow afternoon, Prime Minister could step on this decision”.
