Which powers does the French president retain during cohabitation?

During periods of cohabitation in France—when the president and the prime minister belong to opposing political parties—the president’s formal authority is constrained by the necessity of working with a parliamentary majority that does not support them.12

While the constitution of the Fifth Republic grants the president formidable executive powers, including the ability to dissolve the National Assembly and submit referenda to the people, these powers are effectively limited during cohabitation. In practice, the president and prime minister typically reach an informal agreement to divide responsibilities. Under this arrangement, the president generally retains control over:12

• Foreign relations: Managing international diplomacy and policy.23
• National defense: Serving as the commander in chief and overseeing military policy.23

In this structure, the prime minister assumes responsibility for domestic policy and the government's legislative agenda, effectively shifting the day-to-day governance away from the Élysée Palace.123