The Presidential elections, are one of the central events of the democratic process in France, and arguably the main organising principle of French politics since 1962, provide an opportunity to assess the development of the regime.

1. Introduction. John Gaffney , Lorna Milne. 2. Presidentialism in France: A Historical Overview. Peter Morris. 3. The Myth of the President in French Political Culture. Lorna Milne. 4. The Mirrerrand Legacy. Alistair Cole. 5. Analysis of the Election Results. David B.Goldey. 6. Financing the Presidential Campaign. Irene Hill. 7. The Mainstream Right Chirac and Balladur. John Gaffney. 8. The Left: Jospin, Hue and Laguiller. David Bell and Byron Criddle. 9. The Other Candidates: Voynet, Le Pen, de Villiers and Cheminade. 10. The Business Community and the Election. Mairi Maclean. 11. The Trade Unions and The Election. Susan Milner. 12. The Campaign and the Media. Pamela M.Moores and Christophe Texier. 13. The Polls and the 1995 Election. Jean Charlot, Monica Charlot. 14. Politics as Narrative: The Media , the Polls and Public Opinion. Catherine Pradeilles. 15. Foreign Policy Issues and the Election. Douglas Johnson. 16. Conclusion: French Presidentialsm and the Party System. John Gaffney.