Liberty is the right to do what one wishes, provided it does not harm others and complies with the law.

Liberty is a fundamental value enshrined in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. There are several freedoms that guarantee rights to everyone, including:

• Freedom of expression: this freedom is very broad, but it does not allow people to say anything they want; its limits are defined by law.
• Freedom to make decisions about one’s own body: including access to contraception, the right to abortion, protection of the human body, and the prohibition of mutilation.
• Freedom of conscience and religion: France is a secular country. Secularism (laïcité) is the principle that guarantees the freedom to believe or not to believe.

Equality is a fundamental principle of the French Republic, enshrined in the 1958 Constitution. Equality means that the law must be the same for everyone and that all people in the same situation must be treated equally.
In everyday life, this principle means that all men and women in France have the same rights and responsibilities. For example:

• The right to vote
• The right to move freely
• The right to work
• The right to hold a bank account
• The duty to fulfill parental responsibilities and ensure their children attend school

French criminal law punishes discrimination based on origin, sex, family status, pregnancy, physical appearance, vulnerability resulting from economic circumstances, name, place of residence, health status, disability, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics.

To ensure social cohesion and serve the common good, the State guarantees protection and solidarity to all citizens.
Fraternity means helping one another. It enables all citizens to unite and support each other within society.

There are different forms of solidarity, for example:

• Collective solidarity: assistance organized mainly through public institutions (the State, local authorities, etc.). Examples include Social Security, the Active Solidarity Income (RSA), and housing assistance.
• Intergenerational solidarity: mutual support between people of different ages. For example, pensions are funded through contributions paid by younger, working people.
• Community and voluntary engagement: helping people in need or protecting the environment. Examples include food aid, tutoring, and support for refugees.

This principle involves both rights and responsibilities:

• Paying taxes to contribute to national spending (education, public investment, family and social benefits).
• Paying social security contributions, which are deductions from salaries used to support national solidarity.
• Respecting the rules of living together (respect for others, avoiding neighborhood disturbances, civic-mindedness, and courtesy).

• In France, everyone has the same rights and responsibilities.
• No one can decide laws or rules alone.
• The people choose their representatives by voting in elections.
• The laws are the same throughout France, including overseas territories.
• The official language of France is French.

• In France, everyone is free to believe in a religion or not.
• Everyone may practice their religion, provided it does not interfere with the rights of others.
• The State does not favor any religion.
• The State and religious organizations are separate, although they may engage in dialogue.
• Secularism (laïcité) enables everyone to live together peacefully.

• In France, every citizen has the right to vote once they reach adulthood.
• Voting is secret, and every vote carries equal weight.
• All French citizens are equal, regardless of their background, wealth, or level of education.

• In France, everyone should have the same opportunities to succeed.
• The State provides support to those who need it, particularly in education, employment, housing, and healthcare.
• Equality and solidarity are fundamental values.