The Service Public Under Stress

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Abstract

In his declaration of general policy in May 1995, President Chirac's first premier, Alain Juppe, called for a 'new republican pact' wherein 'Frenchstyle public services' would perform an essential cohesive role.' Two years later, Juppe slumped to defeat in the National Assembly elections, hoist upon the petard of a failed public service reform programme and by memories of the vast social protest movement of November-December 1995. This essay elucidates the various meanings of the elusive notion of service public. It then appraises European, national and sub-national challenges to traditional French understandings of the service public. Through observing examples of ideological and organisational resistance, the essay concludes that French policy makers have confronted the challenges to the service public in a way which is consistent with their political traditions.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Changing French Political System
EditorsRobert Elgie
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherFrank Cass Publishers
Pages166-184
Number of pages19
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781315038414
ISBN (Print)9780714680989
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Feb 2000

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