General de Gaulle as Joan of Arc: 60 Years Ago, France Held Its First Nationwide Presidential Election
In December 1965, the President of France was elected by popular vote for the first time. This historic event forever changed the country’s political landscape: even today, all attention is focused on the «prophetic» figure of the head of state, and the presidential model of the republic has become deeply rooted in French political tradition. Moreover, General de Gaulle’s dominance was truly challenged at the ballot box for the first time. But how did the French come to feel the need for a nationwide vote for their national leader? And why does this crucial electoral reform continue to poison France’s political life today?
#elections #state #electoralreform #society #thepresident #France #CharlesdeGaulle