The hell of Matignon

For the first time, the Prime Ministers of France are brought together in a documentary series to bear witness to a unique experience: the hell of Matignon. Pierre Messmer, Raymond Barre, Pierre Mauroy, Laurent Fabius, Michel Rocard, Edith Cresson, Edouard Balladur, Alain Juppé, Lionel Jospin, Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Dominique de Villepin, and François Fillon have all agreed to participate. Those who have governed France for the past 35 years speak candidly about the practice of power, a story chronicled through archival footage. As the Fifth Republic approaches its 50th anniversary, and texts envisioning a Sixth are being published, the position of Prime Minister—torn between the President and Parliament, appointed without necessarily being elected, yet responsible for everything—is at the heart of the debate.

Networks

France 5