Geopolitics & Public Affairs
Invited by the student association HEC Débats on February 3, 2026, Yaël Braun-Pivet — the first woman to preside over the National Assembly under the Fifth Republic — discussed the current challenges facing French democracy. Against a backdrop of parliamentary instability since the 2024 dissolution and repeated use of Article 49.3, she emphasized the need for dialogue, compromise, and stronger citizen participation to restore democratic confidence.
Key findings
- Politics is open to everyone — leadership does not require a traditional political path.
- The Assembly President balances neutrality with political conviction.
- Parliament continues to function despite crises and institutional tensions.
- Cross-party compromise has enabled dozens of laws since 2022.
- Parliamentary “absenteeism” is often misunderstood.
- Citizens expect concrete results from politics.
- Dialogue and compromise remain essential to democratic stability.
Sustainability & Society
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
