why does france have a president and prime minister

France has both a president and a prime minister because it operates under a semi-presidential system established by the 1958 Constitution. The president is the head of state, directly elected by the people, and is responsible mainly for foreign policy, national defense, and overall national leadership. The president appoints the prime minister, who serves as the head of government and manages domestic policy and day-to-day governmental operations. The prime minister must have the support of the parliamentary majority and leads the Council of Ministers, executing government policies typically in harmony with the president, except during periods of political cohabitation when the president and parliamentary majority differ. This dual executive system allows a balance of power: the president represents the nation and handles international relations and defense, while the prime minister oversees internal affairs and government administration. This arrangement was created to prevent the paralysis experienced in earlier French political systems where the legislature had too much power, fostering greater political stability and clearer roles in governance. Thus, the president and prime minister roles are distinct but complementary, ensuring both strong leadership and accountable government management within France’s semi-presidential framework.