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Abstract: The author attempts to present the transformation of the image of Napoleonic era in the political discourse of modern France, based on mass media materials. The tendency of the French authorities to justify the authoritarian leadership by referring to the categories of the past usually brings about strong opposition from the public. The author comes to the conclusion that Napoleon's image occupies a significant position in the political discourse of France, being a certain symbol of search of a form of perfect government model. But the transformation of the image of the French emperor at different stages of development of the Fifth Republic shows that use of the image of a historical person or a historical event for the benefit of the power can lead to absolutely unpredictable results. Thus, historical myths about Napoleon in the political space of modern France stimulate the awakening in the society of the feeling of patriotism only in reference to the sphere of the international relations.