On March 25, 2026, a debate was held at the National Assembly regarding the war initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran, in accordance with Article 50-1 of the Constitution. This provided an opportunity to reflect on decades of discussions about the Middle East, which serves as a true laboratory for foreign policy.
Since 1945, conflicts in the Middle East have highlighted tensions between the executive and legislative powers in France regarding foreign policy. The parliamentary role has evolved over the years, with revisions to the constitution in 2008 reintroducing a space for deliberation. However, discussions on Middle East wars continue to emphasize the need for political oversight under constraints.
The history of French diplomacy is closely intertwined with conflicts in the Middle East, from the Suez Crisis to the Gaza conflict, and from the Lebanese Civil War to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Parliament has engaged in debates, reflecting shifts in the French political system. The role of parliament in these conflicts reveals the changing landscape of foreign policy control in France.
The introduction of Article 50-1 in the 2008 constitutional reform brought about a new dimension to the Middle East debate, creating a space for unprecedented deliberation. The government can now declare, hold debates – with or without a vote – without risking its responsibility. Recent discussions have focused on issues like chemical weapons in Syria, fighting against Daech, and the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, highlighting ongoing asymmetrical deliberation and a centralized foreign policy framework.
Myriam Benraad Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter
