The Double-Edged Role of Quantitative Governance in Shaping Public Policy in France

Statistics and numerical indicators have become central to public debates and decision-making processes in France, especially since the early 2000s. This phenomenon, described as 'governance by numbers,' aims to increase transparency and accountability among policymakers by utilizing rankings and indicators to assess and guide public policies. However, this reliance on quantification carries inherent biases, as the production and interpretation of data often reflect the ideologies of those controlling it.

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a striking example of how numerical data—such as infection and vaccination rates—were employed to legitimize government actions, demonstrating both the power and pitfalls of numerical governance. While numbers can enhance transparency, they risk oversimplifying complex realities and potentially weakening citizen engagement in decision-making.

Experts emphasize the need for critical engagement with statistical data, advocating for a balanced approach that recognizes numbers as both tools for legitimization and instruments for dialogue.

In parallel, the influence of wealth on politics remains significant in France. Emmanuel Macron's 2017 presidential campaign illustrates this, having raised over 16 million euros largely from high-net-worth donors, with 48% of contributions originating from only 1,212 donors. Thomas Piketty, co-director of the World Inequality Lab, critiques this dynamic, noting that political financing is primarily driven by the wealthiest, which shapes political ideology and policy directions. His research reveals that in France, more than half of political donations come from the top 10% of wealth holders, underscoring the intersection between economic power and governance.

Together, these insights highlight how quantitative data and financial influence shape France's governance landscape, demanding ongoing scrutiny to ensure democracy and transparency are preserved.