ABSTRACT
This chapter shows the particular ways in which the myth of the President manifests itself, and addresses the effects of the phenomenon on the conduct of candidates. It examines the invention of the presidential myth and also shows something of its specific nature. The chapter presents the ‘text’ – the presence and formulation – of the myth as it emerged in the campaigns of the candidates during the 1995 election. It offers some conclusions about the relationship between this text and the changing social, cultural and political configurations for which it was adapted in 1995. The myth of the President in the Fifth Republic is nevertheless an active one, and may be said to correspond simultaneously to each of these three types of tradition. It provides a focus for social and political cohesion of the nation which concurs consciously or unconsciously – in acknowledging the legendary status of the President.
