Key Moments: Electoral Evolution

1962: Direct presidential election referendum fundamentally alters French democracy despite constitutional controversy.

1986: Brief experiment with proportional representation for legislative elections produces cohabitation, reinforcing majoritarian preference.

2000: Referendum reduces presidential term to five years and aligns electoral calendar, reducing cohabitation likelihood.

2002: Le Pen's second-round presence shocks system, reinforces "republican front" tradition.

2017: Macron's movement wins legislative majority months after creation, demonstrating system's openness to renewal.

2022: Record abstention in legislative elections raises questions about democratic participation and legitimacy.