Conseil constitutionnel - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Conseil Constitutionnel, or Constitutional Council, is the highest constitutional authority in France. It was established by the Constitution of the Fifth Republic in 1958.
- 2. The Council is composed of nine members, including former Presidents of the Republic, former Presidents of the National Assembly, and former Prime Ministers. They are appointed for a non-renewable nine-year term.
- 3. The main role of the Conseil Constitutionnel is to ensure the constitutionality of laws before they are promulgated. It can review laws passed by the Parliament and raise objections if they are found to be unconstitutional.
- 4. The Council also has the power to review the constitutionality of international treaties before they are ratified by the French government.
- 5. In addition to its role as a guardian of the Constitution, the Conseil Constitutionnel also has the power to settle electoral disputes and verify the validity of presidential and legislative elections.
- 6. The Council can be seized by the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the President of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate, or a group of at least 60 members of Parliament.
- 7. The decisions of the Conseil Constitutionnel are final and binding. If a law is found to be unconstitutional, it is declared null and void.
- 8. The Council meets in strict confidentiality and its members are sworn to secrecy. Its decisions are published in the Journal Officiel, the official gazette of the French Republic.
- 9. The Conseil Constitutionnel is an independent body and is not subject to the control of the executive or legislative branches of government.
- 10. Over the years, the Council has played a key role in shaping the legal and political landscape of France, ensuring the respect of constitutional principles and the rule of law.