France has both a president and a prime minister because its political system is a semi-presidential system established by the Constitution of the Fifth Republic. The president serves as the head of state, directly elected by the people, and directs foreign policy and national defense. The prime minister, appointed by the president but needing the support of the National Assembly, is the head of government responsible for domestic policy and day-to-day administration. This dual executive system allows the president to focus on broader national and international issues while the prime minister manages internal affairs, with power dynamics shifting depending on whether the president's party controls the parliament or if there is cohabitation (opposing parties) between the two branches.
