A Realistic Call for Democratic Reform in France
摘要
While the French public exhibits a consistent support for democratic norms and, notably, innovative forms of participation that seek to deepen democratic engagement, the country faces a mounting democratic crisis resulting from the persistence of large economic and social inequalities that exacerbate inequalities in political participation. This chapter makes the argument that the so-called democratic fatigue is, at its core, a fatigue among political elites who not only resist democratic reforms that would strip them of some of their power but also pave the way for authoritarian alternatives by failing to meet citizens’ expectations and taking advantage of democracy’s inherent weaknesses. The chapter also provides strong evidence that the resilience of French democracy rests on the public’s deep-seated commitment to democratic ideals and processes. However, without significant institutional and policy reforms, there is a growing risk that this commitment will erode, further empowering populist radical right-wing forces that capitalize on the democratic deficit.