France and Coalition Governments

Sweden has been run by coalitions since the 1970s.

Germany has not known single-party government since 1961.

In Italy, multiparty rule has been the norm since the early 1940s.

The Netherlands was last run by just one party in 1879.

In France, there have not been coalition governments for many years.

That is largely a consequence of a two-round electoral system that normally produces single-party majorities without the need for cross-party coalition-building.

The electoral system came about in response to the political chaos of the Fourth Republic.

Between 1946 and 1958, there were no fewer than 21 “revolving door” governments along with 16 prime ministers, some of whom lasted only days in office.