Observatory Report: France: Dropping Out of Democracy. Obstructions to freedom of association and peaceful assembly

France is currently experiencing a significant erosion of democratic space, with a notable weakening of the conditions needed by civil society to express itself and take action. The current report focuses on the right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly, which have been the object of increasing restrictions in recent years. The phenomenon observed in France is part of a broader trend affecting Europe and the world as a whole. It is characterised by a tightening of authoritarian practices, a weakening of the democratic system, and the gradual generalisation of societal surveillance mechanisms that restrict civic space.