On Tuesday afternoon, October 18th, 2022, Institute of French Language & Culture, Zhejiang University held a lecture titled "Political life in France after the 2022 Election". The lecturer is Benjamin Lancar, a graduate from HEC, Sciences Po Paris and L’ENA, who is currently head of the advisory team to the president of L 'Oreal Group. He is also an external teacher at the National School of Arts and Crafts and head of the economic policy programme at Sciences Po in Paris.

Mr. Lancar started by introducing basic situation of the French political system. He then reviewed the 2017 French presidential election and Emmanuel Macron's first term, pointing out how events such as the gilets jaunes and the Russia-Ukraine conflict affected the 2022 presidential election. Mr. Lancar then ran through the core issues of the French presidential election, including purchasing power, retirement, unemployment, and health care. In particular, he analyzed the Zemmour phenomenon, a nationalist stance of French supremacy that actually reveals that the far-right is rearing its ugly head in France. Mr. Lancar illustrated the 2022 presidential election in a series of iconic images. France's President Emmanuel Macron won in the second round and became the first president of France to win re-election. But the polling results also showed that he did not win easily. Finally, Mr. Lancar detailed the parliamentary setback for the Macron side, whose centrist alliance failed to secure an outright majority in the National Assembly. That means he could be plunged into a series of protracted negotiations on domestic policy in his second term in office, especially at a time when unemployment and fuel shortages are already pressing challenges.

Mr. Lancar's detailed and vivid explanation gave students a more comprehensive understanding of the French presidential election and the current political life in France. During the lecture, students asked questions combing with their own accumulation and they had a warm exchange. Students all said that they benefited a lot and the lecture ended with warm applause in the end.

This lecture is one of a series to help French majors be globally competitive and competent. The main purpose of this lecture series is to enhance students' understanding of international affairs, broaden their international perspective, and strengthen their global competitiveness. In the future to come, there will be more lectures available for students at the Institute of French Language & Culture.

Written by Yuan Zhixin and Fan Yanmei

Photos by Yuan Zhixin

Institute of French Language & Culture