Modern French Presidents and Politics

Major laws, Energy Production and Public Debt

For each period of presidency, describe

  • each major law passed, the public opinion on that law, and analyse if it had the expected effect

  • the development or reduction of energy production in France and its consequences for the future,

  • the development in public deficit and public debt. Give specific numbers on absolute increase or decrease in debt in current day euro. Give the debt in percentage of GDP. Give the debt per active working person by private sector and public sector for each period of government.

In conclusion explain how the debt got to 3.000.000.000.000 euros today and which part is good debt in the sens that it was invested and bad debt in the sens that it just covered the deficit.

GPT-4:

This is a very comprehensive request and requires detailed analysis for each presidency. Below is a brief overview of some major laws, energy production, and public debt developments for each president. For a more in-depth analysis, further research would be needed.

Valéry Giscard d’Estaing (1974-1981):

  • Major law: Legalization of abortion (Loi Veil, 1975); it was controversial but has since become widely accepted. It is difficult to measure if the law had the expected effect, as it depends on individual perspectives.
  • Energy production: Expansion of nuclear power, which has led France to become a world leader in nuclear energy.
  • Public debt: Increased from 15.9% of GDP in 1974 to 21.1% of GDP in 1981.

François Mitterrand (1981-1995):

  • Major law: Decentralization Act (1982); this law aimed to transfer power from the central government to regional and local authorities. Public opinion was divided, but the law is now a key element of France’s political system.
  • Energy production: Continued expansion of nuclear power, while also investing in renewable energy sources.
  • Public debt: Increased from 21.1% of GDP in 1981 to 55.4% of GDP in 1995.

Jacques Chirac (1995-2007):

  • Major law: The 35-hour workweek law (Loi Aubry, 2000); aimed at reducing unemployment by limiting the workweek to 35 hours. Public opinion was divided, with some appreciating the work-life balance benefits and others concerned about the potential negative impact on economic growth. The law’s effectiveness in reducing unemployment remains debated.
  • Energy production: Chirac’s government continued to invest in nuclear power and renewable energy sources. The focus on nuclear energy maintained France’s position as a global leader in this sector, while also diversifying its energy mix.
  • Public debt: The public debt increased from 55.4% of GDP in 1995 to 64.4% of GDP in 2007.

Nicolas Sarkozy (2007-2012):

  • Major law: Pension reform (2010); aimed at raising the retirement age and reducing pension costs. The law was highly controversial, leading to protests and strikes. It is still debated whether the law had the desired effects on the pension system.
  • Energy production: Emphasis on nuclear power but also increased investment in renewable energy sources.
  • Public debt: Increased from 64.4% of GDP in 2007 to 89.5% of GDP in 2012.

François Hollande (2012-2017):

  • Major law: Marriage for All (2013); legalized same-sex marriage and adoption. The law was divisive but has since gained broader acceptance. It is difficult to measure if the law had the expected effect, as it depends on individual perspectives.
  • Energy production: Continued investment in nuclear power and renewable energy sources.
  • Public debt: Increased from 89.5% of GDP in 2012 to 96.8% of GDP in 2017.

Emmanuel Macron (2017-present):

  • Major law: Labor market reforms (2017); aimed at increasing labor market flexibility and reducing unemployment. The law has faced opposition from labor unions, but its long-term effects remain to be seen.
  • Energy production: Continued investment in nuclear power and renewable energy sources, with a focus on transitioning to a greener economy.
  • Public debt: Increased from 96.8% of GDP in 2017 to around 115% of GDP in 2021.

In conclusion, it is not possible to provide a precise breakdown of the 3 trillion euros of debt as good or bad debt without a more in-depth analysis. Public debt has increased over time due to various factors, such as economic crises, social spending, infrastructure investments, and other policies. The degree to which each president’s policies contributed to the current debt situation would require further research and calculations.