Les relations gouvernement-monde des affaires dans la France de l'après-guerre : adaptations et adaptabilite d'un système original

Abstract

Abstract The article gives an overview of the development of government-business relations in France from the end of the Second World War until today. It distinguishes three periods in terms of the degree and objectives of government intervention and the adaptation of the French system to a changing environment, including the role of European integration: (i) the immediate post-war years, characterised by industrial renewal and a gradual opening to international competition; (ii) the 1960s and 1970s with a focus on national champions and major infrastructure projects; and (iii) the 1980s and 1990s, when as results of the world-wide economic crises, budget constraints and Eu- ropean commitments, earlier mistakes became apparent and forced a major reorientation of industrial policy. The author argues that French business exercised a variable, but overall quite considerable influence on the decision-making process. Most policies were the result of bargaining, compromise and coalitions between different interest groups within the French administration and, more importantly, across the business-government divide. Quite often government action was a response to direct demands from influential industry and company representatives or, at least, an emanation of broader economic and societal trends. Even at times when government pressure was strongest, namely in the 1960s, business retained some influence. Adaptability was reduced though and only regained more recently following a slow and painful adaptation process.