French democracy is experiencing a systemic crisis characterized by a decline in trust and a feeling among citizens of inadequate representation. Pierre Rosanvallon, a historian and sociologist, describes the current situation as a 'derailment' and a 'slide' towards populist regimes, highlighting a loss of confidence in political institutions and the idea of the general interest. Rosanvallon emphasizes that the core issue lies in citizens feeling unheard, unrepresented, and disrespected, which is compounded by a shift from society organized around homogeneous groups to more fluid, individual-centered societies. Cynthia Fleury adds that this crisis is not new but has worsened, noting that political parties no longer prioritize governance, and that the traditional majoritarian model of representation must evolve. She advocates for a democracy that no longer relies solely on absolute majority rule, emphasizing the importance of building a new form of representation that adapts to modern societal realities. Rosanvallon further argues that a true democracy must operate on two 'legs'—a concept of dual legitimacy—balancing state authority and public participation. Overall, these insights reflect a need to rethink democratic structures to restore legitimacy, ensure better citizen representation, and adapt to societal changes.