Candidate Selection Processes and Effects

Abstract

The process of selecting candidates is a key function both administered by and shaping political parties (Katz, 2001). Over time, it has become a crucial aspect of the political process in France, imbuing an increasingly personalised and candidate-centred structure to competition, with direct consequences for the way politics operates and ultimately for the quality of democracy. In 2007, the strong focus on leadership and charisma in both Sarkozy and Royal’s campaigns epitomised the existing trend towards the presidentialisation and personalisation of politics (Clift, 2005). The personification of executive dominance was amplified further during the five years of Sarkozy’s ‘hyper-presidency’, which saw a significant sidelining of both the Prime Minister and the centre-right parliamentary majority, as well as excessive mediatisation of the President’s personal life.