Suchergebnisse

In modern France, power and society are developing in different directions. President E. Macron has built a rigid "vertical of power", which was further strengthened under the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Power in France has exceptional autonomy and an ability to make and implement decisions that do not have public support. The president can implement reforms by decree, and the prime minister – relying on the Article 49.3 of the Constitution, which allows laws to be passed without a vote in parliament. Society, in turn, has become more demanding in the field of obtaining individual rights and expanding political rights. While power was growing more and more "vertical", society developed in the opposite direction. The individual rights of citizens have expanded (legalization of same-sex unions and sex change); French citizens have become more demanding of representative institutions and politicians. It is customary to consider French society depoliticized. In reality, modern French people, even if they don't go to the polls and don't trust political parties, are interested in politics. The mood of "critical citizenship" has become widespread in society, an increasing number of citizens would like to participate in political decision-making, and the ideas of direct democracy are very popular. The multidirectional development of society and power inevitably gives rise to a systemic socio-political conflict. The protests against raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 that unfolded in France in 2023 were a continuation of the protest movements of past years. Three scenarios for the development of the political situation in France are formulated: normalization; political crisis and way out of it; renewal of the political regime.

The article analyzes political, social, economic and cultural consequences of the COVID‑19 pandemic for French society. The national strategies of the state management of the sanitary crisis that have developed in the world are investigated: the strategy of "zero tolerance to coronavirus"; the strategy of free circulation of the virus; the strategy determined by the formula "stop and go". France, like many other Western countries, chose the last one, which implied a combination of harsh measures (lockdown, self-isolation, mandatory vaccination, introduction of sanitary passes) with relaxation caused by the demands of business and society. The increased role of the State in the fight against the pandemic is revealed. The political context of the pandemic crisis settlement is revealed: centralization of power; tight control of the head of state over the activities of the Cabinet of Ministers; dominance of political power over the professional medical community; reduction of the parliament's role. It is shown that under conditions of the sanitary crisis, the process of informatization of production and services accelerated, significant shifts occurred in the labor market, and there was an increase in social and socio-spatial inequality. The problem of the middle class, which continues to fragment, is acute. The pandemic and especially the methods of combating it caused a protest in French society: the French did not just express disbelief in the effectiveness of the vaccine, with their speeches they demonstrated distrust of the authorities and state institutions. The pandemic has shown that France is in dire need of a new social compromise that would take into account not only the interests of global corporations, but also people who have remained beyond the threshold of the information economy. The issue of reviewing the lowest salaries and raising the status of a number of professions is acute.

The article considers the place of Muslims in the socio-political life of modern France. The heterogeneity of the Muslim community, different trends within it, the attitude of French Muslims to religion and its place in life are shown. It is noted that in recent years, French Muslims, especially young ones, have become more religious and more often observe the norms of the Koran. There is a growing number of Muslims who believe that the French secular state must adapt to Islamic norms of life. Against this background, especially in connection with the terrorist attacks that have not stopped since 2015, French society is growing distrust of Muslims. Most of the French perceive Islam as a "threat to the Republic". These sentiments are reflected in the socio-political discussion around issues related to immigration and the "Islamic factor", which involves well-known French intellectuals, writers and scientists. In the discussion, the supporters of "happy globalization", who believe that France will be saved by open borders (including President E. Macron and his followers), are opposed by "declinists", who are afraid of "dissolving" France in the global world. Some advocate the recognition of communitarist movements, some defend the principles of French and/or Muslim identity, others defend multiculturalism, and yet others defend the Republican principles of "one nation" and the secular school. Recently, the discussion has included topics such as racism/anti-racism, the colonial past and anti-colonialism. The country approves a "cancel culture", which came from the United States and is new to France. An intolerant "cancel culture" contributes to radicalization of the discussion. Another new phenomenon is "anti-white racism" in the French university environment, evident in the fact that meetings are held in universities, attending which is prohibited for "whites". The peculiarity of the socio-political discussion today is that the number of its participants has increased dramatically. With the expansion of the circle of interested parties and the emergence of new platforms for discussion (social networks, messengers), it has acquired a new quality, and its tone is becoming more aggressive and irreconcilable.

This article deals with the impact of various factors on the perception of Russia in different European countries. The focus is on the role of mass media, expert and political elites in forming of Russia's image, especially in the context of Ukrainian crisis. In this article, the reaction of different European counties to events in Ukraine, the polarization of European space is analyzed: some countries prefer to put a pressure on the Russian Federation, other – to find a way out of the critical situation and reach a compromise. Some political establishment representatives in France, Germany, Czech Republic support Russia and the reunification with Crimea, dispute sanctions against Russia. For such politicians, this support results from anti-American views and independent foreign policy aspirations. Other representatives of the European elite demand tougher approach and more pressure on Russia by any means whatsoever (including military ones). European business-communities reveal great interest in solving issues related to sanctions. Many entrepreneurs in Europe (in particular major corporations in France, UK, Germany, Italy), who profit from long and fruitful cooperation with Russia, are against anti-Russian sanctions. In view of the Ukrainian crisis, Russia has to face and solve various important issues. How can Russia implement a modernization project after burning all traditional bridges to the West and western friends and partners? What is the right way for Russian foreign policy to support and defend Russian-speaking people all over the world? Which European political forces can provide support to Russia? How can civil society affect and influence cooperation between Russia and Europe?

The article examines factors affecting the perceptions of Russian Federation by the French society. The author traces the role of Atlantic elites in forming of the Russian image.

The author eexamines the policy initiated by French President Nicolas Sarkozy and aimed at the development of innovation. This policy is reflected by the support of high-tech industries, by the creation of scientific-industrial clusters, by the development of regional innovation networks, by upgrading of higher education and scientific research. Altogether it is to raise the France's competitive force and to turn it into one of the leading powers of the world.