Intelligence Squared Fixing France: Nabila Ramdani on How to Repair a Broken Republic
Jan 5, 2024
Nabila Ramdani, a French-Algerian writer and broadcaster, discusses her book about fixing France's troubled political landscape. She highlights the rise of the far right and the growing disconnect between citizens and their government. Ramdani critiques the excessive concentration of power in the presidency and calls for a shift to a more democratic parliamentary system. She also explores the cultural tensions between traditional values and modern liberalism, as well as France's challenging international reputation amid domestic unrest.
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French Myths
- France's high ideals, like liberty and equality, clash with reality.
- The country struggles with inequality, limited freedoms, and social divisions.
Original Sin of the Fifth Republic
- The Fifth Republic's origin lies in the Algerian War of Independence.
- This created a powerful president to combat dissent, contributing to today's security state.
A Sixth Republic?
- Significant social and political upheaval is necessary to rewrite France's constitution.
- Ramdani suggests a Sixth Republic that empowers Parliament and reduces presidential power.
