Why 2026 Is the Year to Invest in Public Affairs in France

Since 2024, France has been experiencing its most significant institutional crisis since the creation of the Fifth Republic. Political instability, combined with an increasingly active pre-presidential campaign environment, has profoundly reshaped the country’s public affairs landscape. For international companies and investors, understanding these changes is essential to navigating the French regulatory environment effectively.

The first consequence has been a shift in where influence is built. Ministerial offices, traditionally a primary entry point for corporate engagement, have become too unstable to serve as reliable interlocutors. As a result, organisations have redirected their efforts towards the permanent administration and the Senate, institutions that provide greater continuity despite political turbulence.

At the same time, professional associations and industry federations have gained strategic importance. Faced with a fragmented political landscape, companies increasingly rely on collective advocacy to amplify their voice. This has led to significant restructuring within many trade associations, accompanied by rising expectations from members for stronger lobbying capabilities and more coordinated representation.

A third trend is the growing importance of territorial and European public affairs. Local authorities and inter-municipal bodies have become more stable channels of influence, particularly on issues related to economic development and implementation. Meanwhile, France’s reduced political weight in Brussels during periods of domestic instability has encouraged regulated businesses to strengthen their direct engagement with the European Commission and the European Parliament rather than relying solely on French government representation.

Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, these developments create a narrow but critical window for action.

Major legislative reforms are expected to be concluded before autumn 2026. As the electoral campaign intensifies, political parties will become increasingly reluctant to compromise on significant policy issues, making legislative progress considerably more difficult.

Periods of reduced legislative activity also deserve close attention. Technical or sector-specific bills often receive less political and media scrutiny, creating opportunities—or risks—for organisations able to monitor and engage effectively.

Perhaps most importantly, current polling and political dynamics suggest that no single political bloc is likely to secure a clear governing majority after 2027. In such a fragmented environment, the organisations that will create the greatest value are those capable of maintaining constructive dialogue across multiple political families and building relationships well before the election campaign begins.

For businesses operating in regulated sectors, the message is clear: public affairs cannot wait until after the next election. The groundwork for influence in 2027 is being laid today. Stakeholder mapping, relationship building and coalition development undertaken now will determine an organisation’s ability to navigate France’s next political cycle rather than simply reacting to it.