The Separation of Powers: An Ideal Under Threat

Long held up as an untouchable symbol inherited from the Enlightenment, and as an essential bulwark against those who might seek to undermine the freedoms of contemporary democracies, this principle serves to guarantee fundamental rights and maintain a certain republican balance. The branches of government check and balance one another, remain neutral, and cannot exercise their powers arbitrarily.

Today, contemporary developments call for a broader understanding of this principle, incorporating new dimensions such as media independence or the growing role of local governments.

This gradual expansion has led to an increase in the number of accusations leveled against it. Questions about the independence of the judiciary from politics, criticism of the alleged bias of public broadcasting… Criticism is mounting. Has the ideal truly lost its luster ? On a national level, how can we restore confidence among its critics ? On an international level, can it still inspire democracies in the making ?