Rationalization of the French Parliament since 1958

Extract

[...] This state of affairs is not satisfactory and it would be schematic to consider that nothing is done to reverse this observation. The revaluation of the Parliament is a real concern. Significant adjustments have been made; new means have been offered to parliamentarians; an important reform of the Constitution was initiated in 2008, modifying several articles of the Constitution. Has the rationalization of the parliamentary regime established in 1958 been excessive or insufficient? Should we emphasize the rationalization of the regime born in 1958 to make it more effective? [...]

[...] It is elected, like the President of the Republic. Its organization is precisely established with a functioning of the chambers resulting mainly from texts, and not from simple practices. The Parliament, composed in France of the National Assembly and the Senate, performs several functions summarized in Article 24 of the Constitution and then detailed in complementary provisions. In fact, the Parliament votes the law, controls the action of the Government and evaluates public policies. Given that anti-parliamentarism is quite widespread in our country, even at the highest level of the State, the situation of the Parliament often invites criticism and contestation. [...]

[...] Regarding parliamentary procedures, the project proposes the reform of the priority order of the Parliament's agenda in favor of the Government of all texts related to 'economic, social, or environmental policy declared a priority by the Government'. If Emmanuel Macron's reform project were to be adopted, the Parliament would be even more restricted in its prerogatives. The Parliament is far from being freed from the tutelage of the Government. [...]

[...] Is the Parliament still at the heart of political life? Has the Parliament become a hindrance to the Executive's action today? There is no doubt that the Parliament is today, and since 1958, a discredited institution whose prerogatives have been rationalized at the time of the elaboration of the new Constitution. The reforms that followed, particularly that of 2008, were thought to revalue its role. We will first consider the elements of rationalization of the Parliament since 1958 before appreciating the scope of the reforms made or planned to emancipate parliamentarians (II). [...]

[...] This led to a vote on July by the Congress of a constitutional revision promulgated on July This reform aimed specifically to revalue the role of Parliament through various measures. Firstly, the new article 48 now provides for a sharing of the parliamentary agenda between the Government and Parliament. From now on, each assembly will have control over half of its agenda, two weeks out of four; and one day of session per month is reserved for the agenda set by the opposition. [...]