Patrice Duhamel

Tracing the turbulent history of referendums since 1958, journalist Patrice Duhamel and documentary filmmaker Pauline Pallier open up a fascinating debate, combining archives and interviews with historians, political scientists and editorialists.

The history of the Fifth Republic is marked by terrorist attacks that have shocked the French people and placed their leaders in the position of having to shoulder the ultimate responsibility: that of embodying a nation struck by horror. From the actions of the OAS, which directly targeted General de Gaulle, to the mass killings by Islamist terrorists during François Hollande's five-year term, to hostage-takings such as that of the Algiers-Paris flight during the cohabitation between François Mitterrand and Edouard Balladur, and the assassination of Professor Samuel Paty in October 2020, all presidents have been confronted with these turning points, when politics takes a back seat and it is necessary to act according to one's conscience in the solitude of power.

This documentary takes us behind the scenes of the most significant social reforms initiated by the presidents of the Fifth Republic. From the pill under General de Gaulle to assisted reproduction under Emmanuel Macron, via abortion under Giscard, the death penalty under Mitterrand, civil partnerships under Jospin under Chirac, and marriage for all under Hollande, all sought to change the lives of the French people, with the undisguised hope of leaving their mark on history. Through rare archives and interviews with leading politicians, including Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande, the film delves into the secrets of each president and reveals which ones acted out of conviction, simple opportunism, or even against their will...

This documentary explores the major social reforms led by the Presidents of the Fifth Republic, from the legalization of the pill under De Gaulle to PMA under Macron. Through rare archives and insights from key political figures like Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande, it reveals the hidden motivations behind these decisions; whether driven by conviction, opportunism, or reluctance.

Misunderstood by the French, Emmanuel Macron’s dissolution of the National Assembly on June 9, 2024, led to an unprecedented political deadlock. This documentary examines whether he miscalculated, why he took such a risk, and whether this signals a deeper institutional crisis in the Fifth Republic.

Upon the sudden death of President Georges Pompidou, the French right is taken aback. Who will succeed him? It is finally Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, aged 48, elected with the support of Jacques Chirac, who is then appointed Prime Minister. Their alliance seems strong, but it will quickly crack.