MAIN POWERS OF THE FRENCH PRESIDENT

• The executive names prime minister, approves her/his cabinet, and other high-ranking civil, military, and judicial officials.



• Presides over Council of Ministers (the weekly meetings of the government hierarchy).



• Conducts foreign policy, including foreign economic policy.



• Can dissolve the National Assembly before the end of its five-year term and call for new elections.



• Appoints three of the nine members of the Constitutional Council and can refer legislation passed by parliament to the council for constitutional review.



• Extensive emergency powers.