Le cancer et la maladie d’Alzheimer, des chantiers présidentiels

Abstract

This article reviews the changes in France’s health policies since the 19th century. The aim is to underscore what was at stake and what strategies were put in place when Presidents Chirac and Sarkozy launched public campaigns to prevent the spread of Alzheimer’s and cancer. The authors analyze how their appropriation of the fight against these diseases is based on “biopolitics,” in order to intensify social cohesion and to reinforce the function of the presidency.

Keywords

• France
• biopolitics
• political communication
• cancer
• Alzheimer's