A report commissioned by three elected ecologists in France has raised concerns that the country’s political and legal institutions could be at risk of an "authoritarian shock" if an illiberal majority were to gain power. The study, conducted by experts in public law, draws on the experiences of Hungary and Poland, where autocratic governments have exploited weaknesses in their legal systems to consolidate control. These vulnerabilities include the concentration of power in the executive branch, flaws in the electoral system, inadequate safeguards for independent institutions, and threats to judicial independence. The report also highlights the economic dependence of many media outlets and the gradual erosion of intermediary bodies that traditionally serve as checks on power. One of the report's main criticisms focuses on Article 16 of the French Constitution, which allows the president to exercise "exceptional powers" during a serious crisis. The authors argue that this provision lacks clear legal safeguards and could be exploited by an authoritarian government to bypass Parliament and undermine democratic norms. They warn that such powers could enable a government to push forward with a "process of democratic regression" and weaken the rule of law. To counter these risks, the report outlines over 100 proposed reforms aimed at strengthening democratic structures and protecting legal principles. The rule of law, according to the report, is essential for protecting individuals from arbitrary decisions by the government and ensuring that no political majority can unilaterally determine rights and freedoms. The authors stress that the danger is not only in sudden, dramatic shifts in power but also in the slow, incremental erosion of legal protections. They caution that repeated violations of democratic norms can become normalized over time, leading to a gradual decline in freedoms. The elected officials who commissioned the report emphasize the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard democratic institutions. They argue that restoring checks and balances, ensuring independent oversight of elections, and limiting the concentration of power are essential to preventing a drift toward authoritarianism. Their call for reform reflects broader concerns about the resilience of France’s democracy in the face of rising political polarization and the challenges posed by modern governance.