. MENDES-FRANCE GRINDS HIS AXE The announcement that M. Mendes-France
proposes to introduce a bill altering the electoral system to single-member constituencies brings a new element into French politics. Pre- .aimably, the increased reliance of deputies on their con- stituents will tend to weaken party discipline and will therefore damage centralised parties like the Communists and the MRP by comparison with the Radicals and Independents who rely more on local personalities. Looked at in this way, the new law takes on the appearance of a hatchet sharpened by M. Mendes-France for the necks of his political opponents. On the other hand, by giving increased power to the average voter, it will also enable him to cash in on his popularity in the country. /It is therefore an attempt to create conditions in which the Prime Minister could appeal to the voters over the heads of the caucuses and cliques of the Palais Bourbon as well as an astute political move. Significantly enough. those Radicals who are most opposed to M. Mendes-France are also those who are most at the centre of the party machine. The reintroduction of what is essentially the most popular form of electoral law should thwart their intrigues.
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