Illiberal Trajectories in Elite and Mass Politics in France
Caterina Froio, Sciences Po
Elena Cossu, European University Institute
Romain Lachat, Sciences Po
Jan Rovny, Sciences Po
Executive Summary
This report assesses the state of liberal democracy in France using CHES (Chapel Hill Expert Survey) and AUTHLIB (Neo-Authoritarianisms in Europe and the Liberal Democratic Response) 2024 data. It examines how party competition, policy contestation, and societal cleavages shape democratic commitment.
The Rassemblement National (RN), together with segments of the mainstream conservative bloc, emerges as the most consequential challenger to liberal-democratic norms. The French party system reveals a dual structure dynamic, one rooted in classical socio-economic conflict, and the other increasingly defined by opposition between cosmopolitan inclusion and nationalist closure. Economic left-right conflict and Europe remain the most salient issues; but immigration and cultural GAL-TAN (green, alternative, libertarian (GAL) and traditional, authoritarian, nationalist (TAN)) divisions now represent central axes of differentiation. Left and green parties prioritize redistribution, multiculturalism, and climate action, while centrist formations adopt a technocratic, low-salience profile. Conservatives emphasize security, immigration, and market liberalism, positioning themselves between liberal centrism and the far right. The RN and Reconquête articulate the most coherent ideological bundle: intense emphasis on immigration, national identity, authoritarian order, and anti-elite frames, combined with minimal emphasis on environmental or cosmopolitan issues. These patterns correlate closely with democratic commitment: pro-openness agendas align with stronger endorsement of liberal norms.
The RN wields growing influence in French politics through both institutional and informal channels. With 123 MPs in the National Assembly, it shapes debates on immigration, and minority protections. RN-run municipalities advance restrictive policies in areas including education, and social services, while the party also reframes debates on judicial independence, media pluralism, laïcité (secularism), and “republican equality” in ways that challenge liberal norms. Informal influence extends through the media such as CNews, and movements like the Manif pour Tous which foster norm erosion and the weaponization of republican values in their rhetoric. At the societal level, older voters, lower-educated citizens, and working-class groups are more receptive to populist, authoritarian, and illiberal narratives, whereas younger and more educated cohorts show stronger democratic commitment.
The upcoming 2026 municipal and 2027 presidential and legislative elections will be decisive for the trajectory of these challengers and for far-right influence. Policy levers to strengthen democratic resilience require minority rights protection, institutional safeguards, education expansion including critical digital literacy, and civic engagement initiatives.
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Suggested citation: Froio, Caterina, Elena Cossu, Romain Lachat, Jan Rovny. 2026. “Illiberal Trajectories in Elite and Mass Politics in France.” AUTHLIB Country Papers 5.
