Assembly votes for reform

A LAW LIMITING PRESIDENTIAL TERMS TO TWO AND STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENT HAS BEEN PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY. Parliament has voted for a law that will see radical reform to government

in France, including a measure limiting the number of presidential terms to two. The text, presented to the assembly two weeks ago by Prime Minister Francois Fillon, was supported by the

ruling UMP party but widely rejected, as expected, by the Socialists. Mr Fillon pointed out that more than 20 of the amendments to the text had been made by the Socialists, and called for

broader unity in its acceptance. He said: “Many of the amendments were made and taken into consideration on a basis of consensus between the ruling party and the opposition. “You can’t on

one hand add to the text, and then go and vote against it.” Other measures include allowing the president to address parliament directly, something he can not do constitutionally at the

moment. The text also limits the number of presidential terms to two and allows for parliament to veto appointments of senior civil servants. Parliament could also vote for referendums on

issues of national importance if supported by more than three fifths of the assembly. In a further strengthening of parliament, assembly members will also have to approve any overseas

military action lasting more than three months. The approved text will be debated by the senate in July. Photo: AFPPhoto: AFP