The Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers represents the formal apex of executive decision-making, where President and government meet weekly to deliberate state affairs.

Composition and Functioning

Membership: Includes the President (who presides), Prime Minister, and all ministers. Secretaries of state attend only for relevant items.

Weekly Meetings: Usually Wednesday mornings at the Élysée Palace, following strict protocol developed over decades.

Agenda Setting: The Prime Minister's office prepares the agenda in coordination with the Presidency. Items include bill approvals, decree signatures, appointments, and policy discussions.

Decision-Making Process

The Council operates by consensus rather than votes, with several stages:

1. Preparation: Inter-ministerial meetings resolve most issues before Council consideration 2. Presentation: Relevant ministers present items briefly 3. Discussion: Limited debate occurs, as major disagreements should be resolved beforehand 4. Presidential Arbitration: The President can delay decisions or request modifications 5. Formal Adoption: Decisions become official through Council approval

Political Dynamics

Beyond formal procedures, the Council serves crucial political functions:

Unity Display: Weekly meetings demonstrate governmental cohesion and collective responsibility.

Presidential Influence: The President's chairmanship allows subtle influence over government policy.

Communication Platform: Post-Council briefings shape public narrative about government actions.

Crisis Management: Emergency Councils address urgent situations, demonstrating executive responsiveness.

During cohabitation, Council dynamics shift dramatically, with meetings becoming more formal and potentially contentious as President and Prime Minister represent different political visions.