Campaign Regulations and Equality Measures

French campaign regulations reflect deep commitment to equality and fairness, creating one of the world's most regulated electoral environments.

Campaign Finance

Strict rules govern political money:

Spending Limits: Vary by election and constituency size: - Presidential: €16.851 million (first round), €22.509 million (second) - Legislative: €38,000 + €0.15 per inhabitant - Adjusted for inflation but remain relatively low

Contribution Limits: - Individual: €4,600 per candidate per election - Corporate: Prohibited entirely since 1995 - Foreign: Banned completely - Cash: Maximum €150

Public Funding: Substantial state support: - Reimbursement up to 47.5% of limit for 5%+ vote share - Flat €800,000 for presidential candidates under 5% - Annual party funding based on votes and seats

Transparency Requirements: - Detailed accounting mandatory - Public disclosure of expenses - Donor lists for larger contributions - Criminal penalties for violations

Media Regulations

The CSA (now ARCOM) enforces strict media equality:

Speaking Time Rules: Three periods with different requirements: - Pre-campaign: Equity based on representativeness - Intermediate: Equality among major candidates - Official campaign: Strict equality for all

Coverage Monitoring: Detailed tracking of: - Speaking time for candidates and supporters - Subject time about candidates - Print media space (self-regulated)

Debate Participation: Complex negotiations over: - Who participates in debates - Format and timing - Question selection - Speaking order

Political Advertising: Banned on television and radio: - Forces focus on news coverage - Increases importance of debates - Shifts resources to print and digital

Official Campaign Period

Formal campaign periods create unique dynamics:

Presidential: Officially two weeks before first round: - Equal poster space on official boards - State-printed ballot papers - Mailing of candidate materials to all voters

Legislative: Similar two-week period: - Less media attention than presidential - Local focus on constituency issues

Silence Period: No campaigning from midnight Friday: - No polls, rallies, or media campaigning - Online campaigning grey area - Violations rarely prosecuted

Gender Parity Measures

France pioneered mandatory gender parity:

Constitutional Basis: 1999 amendment enables parity laws

Requirements Vary by Election: - Legislative: Financial penalties for unbalanced tickets - Municipal/Regional: Alternating gender lists - Departmental: Male-female tickets - Senatorial: Alternating lists where proportional - European: Strict alternation required

Effectiveness: Mixed results: - List systems: Near parity achieved - Single-member: Women still underrepresented - Financial penalties often accepted as cost

Ongoing Debates: - Extending requirements to executive positions - Addressing ethnic representation - Balancing parity with local choice