The most powerful position in France has the President. I think he can decide who will be Prime Minister, but I'm not entirely sure about that. I don't think Emmanuel Macron has the financial resources of say the Bush family.
In Germany the most powerful position has the chancellor, but we don't vote for a certain person but only for a party. The party announces before the vote who is their candidate for becoming chancellor. Since the parties all get financial support through our taxes. There are donations, too.
After seeing the tv spots before an election in Nevada, I think I can safely say that those commercials are most likely a lot cheaper here in Germany. Besides, the parties here give you pens, Easter Eggs in the spring and ballons for the kids. No baseball caps and such, like I've seen on tv.
