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Constitution of 4 October 1958

(This text incorporates the modifications introduced by the Constitutional revision passed by Congress on July 21, 2008.) This English translation was prepared under the joint responsibility of the Press, Information and Communication Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Affairs Department of the National Assembly. The French original is the sole authentic text.

NOTE:

1° The versions in italics of articles 11, 13, 25 subject to 2° below, 34-1, 39, 44, 56, 61-1, 65, 69, 71-1 and 73 of the

Constitution wil come into effect in the manner determined by statutes and Institutional Acts necessary for their application by virtue of the article 46 of the Constitutional Law no. 2008-724 of July 23, 2008 ;

2° The provisions of the version in italics of article 25 of the Constitution concerning the temporary nature of the replacement of Members of the National Assembly and of Senators accepting governmental positions, applies to Members of the National

Assembly and to Senators having accepted such positions prior to the date of coming into effect of the Institutional Act

provided for in this article, if, on this same date, they stil hold such a position and if the parliamentary term of office for which they were elected has not yet expired by virtue of the article 46 of the Constitutional Law no. 2008-724 of July 23, 2008 ;

3° The versions in italics of articles 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50-1, 51-1 and 51-2 of the Constitution wil come into effect on March 1, 2009 by virtue of the article 46 of the Constitutional Law no. 2008-724 of July 23, 2008 ;

4° The versions in italics of the title of Title XV and articles 88-1, 88-2, 88-4, 88-5, 88-6, 88-7 wil come into effect upon the coming into effect of the Treaty of Lisbon, amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the

European Community, signed on December 13, 2007 by virtue of the article 2 of the Constitutional Law no. 2008-103 of

February 4, 2008 and by virtue of the article 47 of the Constitutional Law no. 2008-724 of July 23, 2008 ;

5° The two versions of article 88-5 are not applicable to accessions that result from an Intergovernmental Conference whose

meeting was decided by the European Council before July 1, 2004 by virtue of the article 47 of the Constitutional Law no.

2008-724 of July 23, 2008;

The Government of the Republic, in accordance with the Constitutional statute of June 3rd 1958, has proposed,

The French people have adopted,

The President of the Republic hereby promulgates the Constitutional statute worded as fol ows :

PREAMBLE

The French people solemnly proclaim their attachment to the Rights of Man and the principles of national sovereignty as

defined by the Declaration of 1789, confirmed and complemented by the Preamble to the Constitution of 1946, and to the

rights and duties as defined in the Charter for the Environment of 2004.

By virtue of these principles and that of the self-determination of peoples, the Republic offers to the overseas territories

which have expressed the wil to adhere to them new institutions founded on the common ideal of liberty, equality and

fraternity and conceived for the purpose of their democratic development.

Article 1

France shal be an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic. It shal ensure the equality of al citizens before the law, without distinction of origin, race or religion. It shal respect al beliefs. It shal be organised on a decentralised basis.

Statutes shal promote equal access by women and men to elective offices and posts as wel as to professional and social

positions.

TITLE I - On Sovereignty

Article 2

The language of the Republic shal be French.

The national emblem shal be the blue, white and red tricolour flag.

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The national anthem shal be La Marseil aise.

The maxim of the Republic shal be “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”.

The principle of the Republic shal be: government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Article 3

National sovereignty shal vest in the people, who shal exercise it through their representatives and by means of

referendum.

No section of the people nor any individual may arrogate to itself, or to himself, the exercise thereof.

Suffrage may be direct or indirect as provided for by the Constitution. It shal always be universal, equal and secret.

Al French citizens of either sex who have reached their majority and are in possession of their civil and political rights may vote as provided for by statute.

Article 4

Political parties and groups shal contribute to the exercise of suffrage. They shal be formed and carry on their activities

freely. They shal respect the principles of national sovereignty and democracy.

They shal contribute to the implementation of the principle set out in the second paragraph of article 1 as provided for by

statute.

Statutes guarantee the pluralistic expression of opinions and the equitable participation of political parties and groups in the democratic life of the Nation.

TITLE II - The President of the Republic

Article 5

The President of the Republic shal ensure due respect for the Constitution. He shal ensure, by his arbitration, the proper

functioning of the public authorities and the continuity of the State.

He shal be the guarantor of national independence, territorial integrity and due respect for Treaties.

Article 6

The President of the Republic shal be elected for a term of five years by direct universal suffrage.

No one may carry out more than two consecutive terms of office.

The manner of implementation of this article shal be determined by an Institutional Act.

Article 7

The President of the Republic shal be elected by an absolute majority of votes cast. If such a majority is not obtained on the first bal ot, a second bal ot shal take place on the fourteenth day thereafter. Only the two candidates pol ing the greatest

number of votes in the first bal ot, after any withdrawal of better placed candidates, may stand in the second bal ot.

The process of electing a President shal commence by the cal ing of said election by the Government.

The election of the new President shal be held no fewer than twenty days and no more than thirty-five days before the

expiry of the term of the President in office.

Should the Presidency of the Republic fal vacant for any reason whatsoever, or should the Constitutional Council on a

referral from the Government rule by an absolute majority of its members that the President of the Republic is incapacitated,

the duties of the President of the Republic, with the exception of those specified in articles 11 and 12, shal be temporarily exercised by the President of the Senate or, if the latter is in turn incapacitated, by the Government.

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In the case of a vacancy, or where the incapacity of the President is declared to be permanent by the Constitutional Council,

elections for the new President shal , except in the event of a finding by the Constitutional Council of force majeure, be held no fewer than twenty days and no more than thirty-five days after the beginning of the vacancy or the declaration of

permanent incapacity.

In the event of the death or incapacitation in the seven days preceding the deadline for registering candidacies of any of the persons who, fewer than thirty days prior to such deadline, have publicly announced their decision to stand for election, the

Constitutional Council may decide to postpone the election.

If, before the first round of voting, any of the candidates dies or becomes incapacitated, the Constitutional Council shal

declare the election to be postponed..

In the event of the death or incapacitation of either of the two candidates in the lead after the first round of voting before any withdrawals, the Constitutional Council shal declare that the electoral process must be repeated in ful ; the same shal apply in the event of the death or incapacitation of either of the two candidates stil standing on the second round of voting.

Al cases shal be referred to the Constitutional Council in the manner laid down in the second paragraph of article 61 or in

that laid down for the registration of candidates in the Institutional Act provided for in article 6.

The Constitutional Council may extend the time limits set in paragraphs three and five above, provided that pol ing takes

place no later than thirty-five days after the decision of the Constitutional Council. If the implementation of the provisions of this paragraph results in the postponement of the election beyond the expiry of the term of the President in office, the latter shal remain in office until his successor is proclaimed.

Neither articles 49 and 50 nor article 89 of the Constitution shal be implemented during the vacancy of the Presidency of the Republic or during the period between the declaration of the permanent incapacity of the President of the Republic and the

election of his successor.

Article 8

The President of the Republic shal appoint the Prime Minister. He shal terminate the appointment of the Prime Minister

when the latter tenders the resignation of the Government.

On the recommendation of the Prime Minister, he shal appoint the other members of the Government and terminate their

appointments.

Article 9

The President of the Republic shal preside over the Council of Ministers.

Article 10

The President of the Republic shal promulgate Acts of Parliament within fifteen days fol owing the final passage of an Act

and its transmission to the Government.

He may, before the expiry of this time limit, ask Parliament to reopen debate on the Act or any sections thereof. Such

reopening of debate shal not be refused.

Article 11

The President of the Republic may, on a recommendation from the Government when Parliament is in session, or on a joint

motion of the two Houses, published in the Journal officiel, submit to a referendum any Government Bil which deals with the organization of the public authorities, or with reforms relating to the economic or social policy of the Nation, and to the public services contributing thereto, or which provides for authorization to ratify a treaty which, although not contrary to the

Constitution, would affect the functioning of the institutions.

Where the referendum is held on the recommendation of the Government, the latter shal make a statement before each

House and the same shal be fol owed by a debate.

Article 11 [1]

The President of the Republic may, on a recommendation from the Government when Parliament is in session, or on a joint

motion of the two Houses, published in the Journal officiel, submit to a referendum any Government Bil which deals with the organization of the public authorities, or with reforms relating to the economic, social or environmental policy of the Nation, and to the public services contributing thereto, or which provides for authorization to ratify a treaty which, although not contrary to the Constitution, would affect the functioning of the institutions.

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Where the referendum is held on the recommendation of the Government, the latter shal make a statement before each

House and the same shal be fol owed by a debate.

A referendum concerning a subject mentioned in the first paragraph may be held upon the initiative of one fifth of the

members of Parliament, supported by one tenth of the voters enrol ed on the electoral lists. This initiative shal take the form of a Private Members’ Bil and may not be applied to the repeal of a legislative provision promulgated for less than one year.

The conditions by which it is introduced and those according to which the Constitutional Council monitors the respect of the provisions of the previous paragraph, are set down by an Institutional Act.

If the Private Members’ Bil has not been considered by the two Houses within a period set by the Institutional Act, the

President of the Republic may submit it to a referendum.

Where the Private Members’ Bil is not passed by the French people, no new referendum proposal on the same subject may

be submitted before the end of a period of two years fol owing the date of the vote.

Where the outcome of the referendum is favourable to the Government Bil or to the Private Members’ Bil , the President of the Republic shal promulgate the resulting statute within fifteen days fol owing the proclamation of the results of the vote.

Article 12

The President of the Republic may, after consulting the Prime Minister and the Presidents of the Houses of Parliament,

declare the National Assembly dissolved.

A general election shal take place no fewer than twenty days and no more than forty days after the dissolution.

The National Assembly shal sit as of right on the second Thursday fol owing its election. Should this sitting fal outside the period prescribed for the ordinary session, a session shal be convened by right for a fifteen-day period.

No further dissolution shal take place within a year fol owing said election.

Article 13

The President of the Republic shal sign the Ordinances and Decrees deliberated upon in the Council of Ministers.

He shal make appointments to the civil and military posts of the State.

Conseil ers d'Etat, the Grand Chancelier de la Légion d'Honneur, Ambassadors and Envoys Extraordinary, Conseil ers Maitres of the Cour des Comptes, Prefects, State representatives in the overseas communities to which article 74 applies and in New Caledonia, highest-ranking Military Officers, Recteurs des Académies and Directors of Central Government

Departments shal be appointed in the Council of Ministers.

An Institutional Act shal determine the other posts to be fil ed at meetings of the Council of Ministers and the manner in

which the power of the President of the Republic to make appointments may be delegated by him to be exercised on his

behalf.

Article 13 [1]

The President of the Republic shal sign the Ordinances and Decrees deliberated upon in the Council of Ministers.

He shal make appointments to the civil and military posts of the State.

Conseil ers d'Etat, the Grand Chancelier de la Légion d'Honneur, Ambassadors and Envoys Extraordinary, Conseil ers

Maitres of the Cour des Comptes, Prefects, State representatives in the overseas communities to which article 74 applies

and in New Caledonia, highest-ranking Military Officers, Recteurs des Académies and Directors of Central Government

Departments shal be appointed in the Council of Ministers.

An Institutional Act shal determine the other posts to be fil ed at meetings of the Council of Ministers and the manner in which the power of the President of the Republic to make appointments may be delegated by him to be exercised on his

behalf.

An Institutional Act shal determine the posts or positions, other than those mentioned in the third paragraph, concerning which, on account of their importance in the guarantee of the rights and freedoms or the economic and social life of the

Nation, the power of appointment of the President of the Republic shal be exercised after public consultation with the

relevant standing committee in each assembly. The President of the Republic may not make an appointment when the sum

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of the negative votes in each committee represents at least three fifths of the votes cast by the two committees. Statutes shal determine the relevant standing committees according to the posts or positions concerned.

Article 14

The President of the Republic shal accredit ambassadors and envoys extraordinary to foreign powers; foreign ambassadors

and envoys extraordinary shal be accredited to him.

Article 15

The President of the Republic shal be Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He shal preside over the higher national

defence councils and committees.

Article 16

Where the institutions of the Republic, the independence of the Nation, the integrity of its territory or the fulfilment of its international commitments are under serious and immediate threat, and where the proper functioning of the constitutional

public authorities is interrupted, the President of the Republic shal take measures required by these circumstances, after

formal y consulting the Prime Minister, the Presidents of the Houses of Parliament and the Constitutional Council.

He shal address the Nation and inform it of such measures.

The measures shal be designed to provide the constitutional public authorities as swiftly as possible, with the means to

carry out their duties. The Constitutional Council shal be consulted with regard to such measures.

Parliament shal sit as of right.

The National Assembly shal not be dissolved during the exercise of such emergency powers.

After thirty days of the exercise of such emergency powers, the matter may be referred to the Constitutional Council by the

President of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate, sixty Members of the National Assembly or sixty Senators,

so as to decide if the conditions laid down in paragraph one stil apply. It shal make its decision by public announcement as soon as possible. It shal , as of right, carry out such an examination and shal make its decision in the same manner after

sixty days of the exercise of emergency powers or at any moment thereafter.

Article 17

The President of the Republic is vested with the power to grant pardons in an individual capacity.

Article 18

The President of the Republic shal communicate with the two Houses of Parliament by messages which he shal cause to

be read aloud and which shal not give rise to any debate.

He may take the floor before Parliament convened in Congress for this purpose. His statement may give rise, in his

absence, to a debate without vote.

When not in session, the Houses of Parliament shal be convened especial y for this purpose.

Article 19

Instruments of the President of the Republic, other than those provided for under articles 8 (paragraph one), 11, 12, 16, 18,

54, 56 and 61, shal be countersigned by the Prime Minister and, where required, by the ministers concerned.

TITLE III - the Government

Article 20

The Government shal determine and conduct the policy of the Nation.

It shal have at its disposal the civil service and the armed forces.

It shal be accountable to Parliament in accordance with the terms and procedures set out in articles 49 and 50.

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Article 21

The Prime Minister shal direct the actions of the Government. He shal be responsible for national defence. He shal ensure

the implementation of legislation. Subject to article 13, he shal have power to make regulations and shal make

appointments to civil and military posts.

He may delegate certain of his powers to Ministers.

He shal deputize, if the case arises, for the President of the Republic as chairman of the councils and committees referred

to in article 15.

He may, in exceptional cases, deputize for him as chairman of a meeting of the Council of Ministers by virtue of an express

delegation of powers for a specific agenda.

Article 22

Instruments of the Prime Minister shal be countersigned, where required, by the ministers responsible for their

implementation.

Article 23

Membership of the Government shal be incompatible with the holding of any Parliamentary office, any position of

professional representation at national level, any public employment or any professional activity.

An Institutional Act shal determine the manner in which the holders of such offices, positions or employment shal be

replaced.

The replacement of Members of Parliament shal take place in accordance with the provisions of article 25.

TITLE IV - Parliament

Article 24

Parliament shal pass statutes. It shal monitor the action of the Government. It shal assess public policies.

It shal comprise the National Assembly and the Senate.

Members of the National Assembly, whose number must not exceed five hundred and seventy-seven, shal be elected by

direct suffrage.

The Senate, whose members must not exceed three hundred and forty-eight, shal be elected by indirect suffrage. The

Senate shal ensure the representation of the territorial communities of the Republic.

French Nationals living abroad shal be represented in the National Assembly and in the Senate.

Article 25

An Institutional Act shal determine the term for which each House is elected, the number of its members, their al owances,

the conditions of eligibility and the terms of disqualification and of incompatibility with membership.

It shal likewise determine the manner of election of those persons cal ed upon to replace Members of the National Assembly

or Senators whose seats have become vacant, until the general or partial renewal by election of the House in which they

sat.

Article 25 [1]

An Institutional Act shal determine the term for which each House is elected, the number of its members, their al owances, the conditions of eligibility and the terms of disqualification and of incompatibility with membership.

It shal likewise determine the manner of election of those persons cal ed upon to replace Members of the National

Assembly or Senators whose seats have become vacant, until the general or partial renewal by election of the House in

which they sat, or have been temporarily replaced on account of having accepted a governmental position.

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An independent commission, whose composition and rules of organization and operation shal be set down by statute, shal

express an opinion, by public announcement, on the Government and Private Members’ Bil s defining the constituencies for

the election of members of the National Assembly, or modifying the distribution of the seats of members of the National

Assembly or of Senators.

Article 26

No Member of Parliament shal be prosecuted, investigated, arrested, detained or tried in respect of opinions expressed or

votes cast in the performance of his official duties.

No Member of Parliament shal be arrested for a serious crime or other major offence, nor shal he be subjected to any other

custodial or semi-custodial measure, without the authorization of the Bureau of the House of which he is a member. Such

authorization shal not be required in the case of a serious crime or other major offence committed flagrante delicto or when a conviction has become final.

The detention, subjecting to custodial or semi-custodial measures, or prosecution of a Member of Parliament shal be

suspended for the duration of the session if the House of which he is a member so requires.

The House concerned shal meet as of right for additional sittings in order to permit the application of the foregoing

paragraph should circumstances so require.

Article 27

No Member shal be elected with any binding mandate.

Members' right to vote shal be exercised in person.

An Institutional Act may, in exceptional cases, authorize voting by proxy. In that event, no member shal be given more than

one proxy.

Article 28

Parliament shal sit as of right in one ordinary session which shal start on the first working day of October and shal end on the last working day of June.

The number of days for which each House may sit during the ordinary session shal not exceed one hundred and twenty.

The number of sitting weeks shal be determined by each House.

The Prime Minister, after consulting the President of the House concerned or the majority of the members of each House

may decide that said House shal meet for additional sitting days.

The days and hours of sittings shal be determined by the rules of procedure of each House.

Article 29

Parliament shal meet in extraordinary session, at the request of the Prime Minister or of the majority of the members of the

National Assembly, to debate a specific agenda.

Where an extraordinary session is held at the request of members of the National Assembly, this session shal be closed by

decree once al the items on the agenda for which Parliament was convened have been dealt with, or not later than twelve

days after its first sitting, whichever shal be the earlier.

The Prime Minister alone may request a new session before the end of the month fol owing the decree closing an

extraordinary session.

Article 30

Except where Parliament sits as of right, extraordinary sessions shal be opened and closed by a Decree of the President of

the Republic.

Article 31

Members of the Government shal have access to both Houses. They shal address either House whenever they so request.

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They may be assisted by commissaires du gouvernement.

Article 32

The President of the National Assembly shal be elected for the life of a Parliament. The President of the Senate shal be

elected each time elections are held for partial renewal of the Senate.

Article 33

The sittings of the two Houses shal be public. A verbatim report of the debates shal be published in the Journal officiel.

Each House may sit in camera at the request of the Prime Minister or of one tenth of its members.

TITLE V - On Relations between Parliament and the Government

Article 34

Statutes shal determine the rules concerning:

- civic rights and the fundamental guarantees granted to citizens for the exercise of their civil liberties; freedom, pluralism and the independence of the media; the obligations imposed for the purposes of national defence upon the person and

property of citizens.

- nationality, the status and capacity of persons, matrimonial property systems, inheritance and gifts

- the determination of serious crimes and other major offences and the penalties they carry; criminal procedure; amnesty;

the setting up of new categories of courts and the status of members of the Judiciary.

- the base, rates and methods of col ection of al types of taxes; the issuing of currency

Statutes shal also determine the rules governing:

- the system for electing members of the Houses of Parliament, local assemblies and the representative bodies for

French nationals living abroad, as wel as the conditions for holding elective offices and positions for the members

of the deliberative assemblies of the territorial communities

- the setting up of categories of public legal entities

- the fundamental guarantees granted to civil servants and members of the Armed Forces

- nationalisation of companies and the transfer of ownership of companies from the public to the private sector.

Statutes shal also lay down the basic principles of:

- the general organisation of national defence

- the self-government of territorial communities, their powers and revenue

- education

- the preservation of the environment

- systems of ownership, property rights and civil and commercial obligations.

- Employment law, Trade Union law and Social Security

Finance Acts shal determine the revenue and expenditure of the State in the conditions and with the reservations provided

for by an Institutional Act.

Social Security Financing Acts shal lay down the general conditions for the financial equilibrium thereof, and taking into

account forecasted revenue, shal determine expenditure targets in the conditions and with the reservations provided for by

an Institutional Act.

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Programming Acts shal determine the objectives of the action of the State.

The multiannual guidelines for public finances shal be established by Programming Acts. They shal be part of the objective

of balanced accounts for public administrations.

The provisions of this article may be further specified and completed by an Institutional Act.

Article 34-1 [1]

The Houses of Parliament may adopt resolutions according to the conditions determined by the Institutional Act.

Any draft resolution, whose adoption or rejection would be considered by the Government as an issue of confidence, or

which contained an injunction to the Government, shal be inadmissible and may not be included on the agenda.

Article 35

A declaration of war shal be authorized by Parliament.

The Government shal inform Parliament of its decision to have the armed forces intervene abroad, at the latest three days

after the beginning of said intervention. It shal detail the objectives of the said intervention. This information may give rise to a debate, which shal not be fol owed by a vote.

Where the said intervention shal exceed four months, the Government shal submit the extension to Parliament for

authorization. It may ask the National Assembly to make the final decision.

If Parliament is not sitting at the end of the four-month period, it shal express its decision at the opening of the fol owing session.

Article 36

A state of siege shal be decreed in the Council of Ministers.

The extension thereof after a period of twelve days may be authorized solely by Parliament.

Article 37

Matters other than those coming under the scope of statute law shal be matters for regulation.

Provisions of statutory origin enacted in such matters may be amended by decree issued after consultation with the Conseil d'Etat. Any such provisions passed after the coming into force of the Constitution shal be amended by decree only if the Constitutional Council has found that they are matters for regulation as defined in the foregoing paragraph.

Article 37-1

Statutes and regulations may contain provisions enacted on an experimental basis for limited purposes and duration.

Article 38

In order to implement its programme, the Government may ask Parliament for authorization, for a limited period, to take

measures by Ordinance that are normal y the preserve of statute law.

Ordinances shal be issued in the Council of Ministers, after consultation with the Conseil d'Etat. They shal come into force upon publication, but shal lapse in the event of failure to table before Parliament the Bil to ratify them by the date set by the Enabling Act. They may only be ratified in explicit terms.

At the end of the period referred to in the first paragraph hereinabove Ordinances may be amended solely by an Act of

Parliament in those areas governed by statute law

Article 39

Both the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament shal have the right to initiate legislation.

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Government Bil s shal be discussed in the Council of Ministers after consultation with the Conseil d'Etat and shal be tabled in one or other of the two Houses. Finance Bil s and Social Security Financing Bil s shal be tabled first before the National Assembly. Without prejudice to the first paragraph of article 44, Bil s primarily dealing with the organisation of territorial communities and Bil s relating to bodies representing French Nationals living abroad shal be tabled first in the Senate.

Article 39 [1]

Both the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament shal have the right to initiate legislation.

Government Bil s shal be discussed in the Council of Ministers after consultation with the Conseil d'Etat and shal be tabled in one or other of the two Houses. Finance Bil s and Social Security Financing Bil s shal be tabled first before the National Assembly. Without prejudice to the first paragraph of article 44, Bil s primarily dealing with the organisation of territorial communities [ ] shal be tabled first in the Senate.

The presentation of Government Bil s tabled before the National Assembly or the Senate, shal fol ow the conditions

determined by an Institutional Act.

Government Bil s may not be included on the agenda if the Conference of Presidents of the first House to which the bil has been referred, declares that the rules determined by the Institutional Act have been ignored. In the case of disagreement

between the Conference of Presidents and the Government, the President of the relevant House or the Prime Minister may

refer the matter to the Constitutional Council, which shal rule within a period of eight days.

Within the conditions provided for by statute, the President of either House may submit a Private Members’ Bil tabled by a member of the said House, before it is considered in committee, to the Conseil d’Etat for its opinion, unless the member

who tabled it disagrees.

Article 40

Private Members' Bil s and amendments introduced by Members of Parliament shal not be admissible where their

enactment would result in either a diminution of public revenue or the creation or increase of any public expenditure.

Article 41

If, during the legislative process, it appears that a Private Member's Bil or amendment is not a matter for statute or is

contrary to a delegation granted under article 38, the Government may argue that it is inadmissible.

In the event of disagreement between the Government and the President of the House concerned, the Constitutional

Council, at the request of one or the other, shal give its ruling within eight days.

Article 41 [1]

If, during the legislative process, it appears that a Private Member's Bil or amendment is not a matter for statute or is contrary to a delegation granted under article 38, the Government or the President of the House concerned, may argue that

it is inadmissible.

In the event of disagreement between the Government and the President of the House concerned, the Constitutional

Council, at the request of one or the other, shal give its ruling within eight days.

Article 42

Government Bil s shal be debated in the form in which they are tabled before the first House to which they are submitted.

The House asked to debate upon a text passed by the other House shal debate upon the text transmitted to it.

Article 42 [1]

The discussion of Government and Private Members’ Bil s shal , in plenary sitting, concern the text passed by the committee to which the Bil has been referred, in accordance with article 43, or failing that, the text which has been referred to the House.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the plenary discussion of Constitutional Revision Bil s, Finance Bil s and Social Security

Financing Bil s, shal concern, during the first reading before the House to which the Bil has been referred in the first instance, the text presented by the Government, and during the subsequent readings, the text transmitted by the other

House.

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The plenary discussion at first reading of a Government or Private Members’ Bil may only occur before the first House to

which it is referred, at the end of a period of six weeks after it has been tabled. It may only occur, before the second House to which it is referred, at the end of a period of four weeks, from the date of transmission.

The previous paragraph shal not apply if the accelerated procedure has been implemented according to the conditions

provided for in article 45. It shal not apply either to Finance Bil s, Social Security Financing Bil s, or to bil s concerning a state of emergency.

Article 43

Government and Private Members' Bil s shal , at the request of the Government or of the House before which such Bil is

tabled, be referred for consideration to committees special y set up for this purpose.

Government and Private Members' Bil s not concerned by such a request shal be referred to one of the standing

committees, the number of which shal not exceed six in each House.

Article 43 [1]

Government and Private Members' Bil s shal be referred to one of the standing committees, the number of which shal not

exceed eight in each House.

At the request of the Government or of the House before which such a Bil has been tabled, Government and Private

Members' Bil s shal be referred for consideration to a committee special y set up for this purpose.

Article 44

Members of Parliament and the Government shal have the right of amendment.

Once debate has begun, the Government may object to the consideration of any amendment which has not previously been

referred to committee.

If the Government so requests, the House before which the Bil is tabled shal proceed to a single vote on al or part of the

text under debate, on the sole basis of the amendments proposed or accepted by the Government.

Article 44 [1]

Members of Parliament and the Government shal have the right of amendment. This right may be used in plenary sitting or

in committee under the conditions set down by the Rules of Procedure of the Houses, according to the framework

determined by an Institutional Act.

Once debate has begun, the Government may object to the consideration of any amendment which has not previously been

referred to committee.

If the Government so requests, the House before which the Bil is tabled shal proceed to a single vote on al or part of the text under debate, on the sole basis of the amendments proposed or accepted by the Government.

Article 45

Every Government or Private Member's Bil shal be considered successively in the two Houses of Parliament with a view to

the passing of an identical text.

If, as a result of a failure to agree by the two Houses, it has proved impossible to pass a Government or Private Member's

Bil after two readings by each House or, if the Government has declared the matter to be one of urgency, after a single

reading of such Bil by each House, the Prime Minister may convene a joint committee, composed of an equal number of

members from each House, to propose a text on the provisions stil under debate.

The text drafted by the joint committee may be submitted by the Government to both Houses for approval. No amendment

shal be admissible without the consent of the Government.

If the joint committee fails to agree on a common text, or if the text is not passed as provided in the foregoing paragraph, the Government may, after a further reading by the National Assembly and by the Senate, ask the National Assembly to reach a

final decision. In such an event, the National Assembly may reconsider either the text drafted by the joint committee, or the

last text passed by itself, as modified, as the case may be, by any amendment(s) passed by the Senate.

Article 45 [1]

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Every Government or Private Member's Bil shal be considered successively in the two Houses of Parliament with a view to

the passing of an identical text. Without prejudice to the application of articles 40 and 41, al amendments which have a link, even an indirect one, with the text tha was tabled or transmitted, shal be admissible on first reading.

If, as a result of a failure to agree by the two Houses, it has proved impossible to pass a Government or Private Member's Bil after two readings by each House or, if the Government has decided to apply the accelerated procedure without the two Conferences of Presidents being jointly opposed, after a single reading of such Bil by each House, the Prime Minister, or in the case of a Private Members’ Bil , the Presidents of the two Houses acting jointly, may convene a joint committee,

composed of an equal number of members from each House, to propose a text on the provisions stil under debate.

The text drafted by the joint committee may be submitted by the Government to both Houses for approval. No amendment

shal be admissible without the consent of the Government.

If the joint committee fails to agree on a common text, or if the text is not passed as provided in the foregoing paragraph, the Government may, after a further reading by the National Assembly and by the Senate, ask the National Assembly to reach a

final decision. In such an event, the National Assembly may reconsider either the text drafted by the joint committee, or the last text passed by itself, as modified, as the case may be, by any amendment(s) passed by the Senate.

Article 46

Acts of Parliament which are defined by the Constitution as being Institutional Acts shal be enacted and amended as

provided for hereinafter.

A Government or Private Member's Bil shal not be debated and put to the vote in the House before which it was first tabled

until fifteen days have elapsed since the tabling thereof.

The procedure set out in article 45 shal apply. Nevertheless, failing agreement between the two Houses, the text may be

passed by the National Assembly on a final reading only by an absolute majority of the Members thereof.

Institutional Acts relating to the Senate must be passed in identical terms by the two Houses.

Institutional Acts shal not be promulgated until the Constitutional Council has declared their conformity with the Constitution.

Article 46 [1]

Acts of Parliament which are defined by the Constitution as being Institutional Acts shal be enacted and amended as

provided for hereinafter.

The Government or Private Member's Bil may only be submitted, on first reading, to the consideration and vote of the

Houses after the expiry of the periods set down in the third paragraph of article 42. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the accelerated procedure has been applied according to the conditions provided for in article 45, the Government or Private

Member's Bil may not be submitted for consideration by the first House to which it is referred before the expiry of a fifteen-day period after it has been tabled.

The procedure set out in article 45 shal apply. Nevertheless, failing agreement between the two Houses, the text may be

passed by the National Assembly on a final reading only by an absolute majority of the Members thereof.

Institutional Acts relating to the Senate must be passed in identical terms by the two Houses.

Institutional Acts shal not be promulgated until the Constitutional Council has declared their conformity with the Constitution.

Article 47

Parliament shal pass Finance Bil s in the manner provided for by an Institutional Act.

Should the National Assembly fail to reach a decision on first reading within forty days fol owing the tabling of a Bil , the

Government shal refer the Bil to the Senate, which shal make its decision known within fifteen days. The procedure set out

in article 45 shal then apply.

Should Parliament fail to reach a decision within seventy days, the provisions of the Bil may be brought into force by

Ordinance.

Should the Finance Bil setting out revenue and expenditure for a financial year not be tabled in time for promulgation before the beginning of that year, the Government shal as a matter of urgency ask Parliament for authorization to col ect taxes and

shal make available by decree the funds needed to meet commitments already voted for.

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The time limits set by this article shal be suspended when Parliament is not in session.

Article 47-1

Parliament shal pass Social Security Financing Bil s in the manner provided by an Institutional Act.

Should the National Assembly fail to reach a decision on first reading within twenty days of the tabling of a Bil , the

Government shal refer the Bil to the Senate, which shal make its decision known within fifteen days. The procedure set out

in article 45 shal then apply.

Should Parliament fail to reach a decision within fifty days, the provisions of the Bil may be implemented by Ordinance.

The time limits set by this article shal be suspended when Parliament is not in session and, as regards each House, during

the weeks when it has decided not to sit in accordance with the second paragraph of article 28.

Article 47-2

The Cour des Comptes shal assist Parliament in monitoring Government action. It shal assist Parliament and the

Government in monitoring the implementation of Finance Acts and Social Security Financing Acts, as wel in assessing

public policies. By means of its public reports, it shal contribute to informing citizens.

The accounts of public administrations shal be lawful and faithful. They shal provide a true and fair view of the result of the management, assets and financial situation of the said public administrations.

Article 48

Without prejudice to the application of the last three paragraphs of article 28, priority shal be given on the agendas of the Houses, and in the order determined by the Government, to debating Government Bil s and Private Members' Bil s accepted

by the Government.

At one sitting a week at least priority shal be given to questions from Members of Parliament and to answers from the

Government.

At one sitting a month priority shal be given to the agenda determined by each House.

Article 48 [1]

Without prejudice to the application of the last three paragraphs of article 28, the agenda shal be determined by each

House.

During two weeks of sittings out of four, priority shal be given, in the order determined by the Government, to the

consideration of texts and to debates which it requests to be included on the agenda.

In addition, the consideration of Finance Bil s, Social Security Financing Bil s and, subject to the provisions of the fol owing paragraph, texts transmitted by the other House at least six weeks previously, as wel as bil s concerning a state of

emergency and requests for authorization referred to in article 35, shal , upon Government request, be included on the

agenda with priority.

During one week of sittings out of four, priority shal be given, in the order determined by each House, to the monitoring of Government action and to the assessment of public policies.

One day of sitting per month shal be given to an agenda determined by each House upon the initiative of the opposition

groups in the relevant House, as wel as upon that of the minority groups.

During at least one sitting per week, including during the extraordinary sittings provided for in article 29, priority shal be given to questions from Members of Parliament and to answers from the Government.

Article 49

The Prime Minister, after deliberation by the Council of Ministers, may make the Government's programme or possibly a

general policy statement an issue of a vote of confidence before the National Assembly.

The National Assembly may cal the Government to account by passing a resolution of no-confidence. Such a resolution

shal not be admissible unless it is signed by at least one tenth of the members of the National Assembly. Voting may not

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take place within forty-eight hours after the resolution has been tabled. Solely votes cast in favour of the no-confidence

resolution shal be counted and the latter shal not be passed unless it secures a majority of the Members of the House.

Except as provided for in the fol owing paragraph, no Member shal sign more than three resolutions of no-confidence during

a single ordinary session and no more than one during a single extraordinary session.

The Prime Minister may, after deliberation by the Council of Ministers, make the passing of a Bil an issue of a vote of

confidence before the National Assembly. In that event, the Bil shal be considered passed unless a resolution of no-

confidence, tabled within the subsequent twenty-four hours, is carried as provided for in the foregoing paragraph.

The Prime Minister may ask the Senate to approve a statement of general policy.

Article 49[1]

The Prime Minister, after deliberation by the Council of Ministers, may make the Government's programme or possibly a

general policy statement an issue of a vote of confidence before the National Assembly.

The National Assembly may cal the Government to account by passing a resolution of no-confidence. Such a resolution

shal not be admissible unless it is signed by at least one tenth of the members of the National Assembly. Voting may not

take place within forty-eight hours after the resolution has been tabled. Solely votes cast in favour of the no-confidence resolution shal be counted and the latter shal not be passed unless it secures a majority of the Members of the House.

Except as provided for in the fol owing paragraph, no Member shal sign more than three resolutions of no-confidence during a single ordinary session and no more than one during a single extraordinary session.

The Prime Minister may, after deliberation by the Council of Ministers, make the passing of a Finance Bil or Social Security Financing Bil an issue of a vote of confidence before the National Assembly. In that event, the Bil shal be considered

passed unless a resolution of no-confidence, tabled within the subsequent twenty-four hours, is carried as provided for in the foregoing paragraph. In addition, the Prime Minister may use the said procedure for one other Government or Private

Members’ Bil per session.

The Prime Minister may ask the Senate to approve a statement of general policy.

Article 50

When the National Assembly passes a resolution of no-confidence, or when it fails to endorse the Government programme

or general policy statement, the Prime Minister shal tender the resignation of the Government to the President of the

Republic.

Article 50-1 [1]

The Government may, before either House, upon its own initiative or upon the request of a political group, as set down in

article 51-1, make a declaration on a given subject, which leads to a debate and, if it so desires, gives rise to a vote, without making it an issue of confidence.

Article 51

The closing of ordinary or extraordinary sessions shal be automatical y postponed in order to permit the application of article 49, if the case arises. Additional sittings shal be held automatical y for the same purpose.

Article 51-1 [1]

The Rules of Procedure of each House shal determine the rights of the parliamentary groups set up within it. They shal

recognize that opposition groups in the House concerned, as wel as minority groups, have specific rights.

Article 51-2 [1]

In order to implement the monitoring and assessment missions laid down in the first paragraph of article 24, committees of inquiry may be set up within each House to gather information, according to the conditions provided for by statute.

Statutes shal determine their rules of organization and operation. The conditions for their establishment shal be determined by the Rules of Procedure.

TITLE VI - On Treaties and International Agreements

Article 52

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The President of the Republic shal negotiate and ratify treaties.

He shal be informed of any negotiations for the conclusion of an international agreement not subject to ratification.

Article 53

Peace Treaties, Trade agreements, treaties or agreements relating to international organization, those committing the

finances of the State, those modifying provisions which are the preserve of statute law, those relating to the status of

persons, and those involving the ceding, exchanging or acquiring of territory, may be ratified or approved only by an Act of

Parliament.

They shal not take effect until such ratification or approval has been secured.

No ceding, exchanging or acquiring of territory shal be valid without the consent of the population concerned.

Article 53-1

The Republic may enter into agreements with European States which are bound by undertakings identical with its own in

matters of asylum and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, for the purpose of determining their

respective jurisdiction as regards requests for asylum submitted to them.

However, even if the request does not fal within their jurisdiction under the terms of such agreements, the authorities of the Republic shal remain empowered to grant asylum to any Foreigner who is persecuted for his action in pursuit of freedom or

who seeks the protection of France on other grounds.

Article 53-2

The Republic may recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court as provided for by the Treaty signed on 18

July 1998.

Article 54

If the Constitutional Council, on a referral from the President of the Republic, from the Prime Minister, from the President of one or the other Houses, or from sixty Members of the National Assembly or sixty Senators, has held that an international

undertaking contains a clause contrary to the Constitution, authorization to ratify or approve the international undertaking

involved may be given only after amending the Constitution.

Article 55

Treaties or agreements duly ratified or approved shal , upon publication, prevail over Acts of Parliament, subject, with

respect to each agreement or treaty, to its application by the other party.

TITLE VII - The Constitutional Council

Article 56

The Constitutional Council shal comprise nine members, each of whom shal hold office for a non-renewable term of nine

years. One third of the membership of the Constitutional Council shal be renewed every three years. Three of its members

shal be appointed by the President of the Republic, three by the President of the National Assembly and three by the

President of the Senate.

In addition to the nine members provided for above, former Presidents of the Republic shal be ex officio life members of the

Constitutional Council.

The President shal be appointed by the President of the Republic. He shal have a casting vote in the event of a tie.

Article 56 [1]

The Constitutional Council shal comprise nine members, each of whom shal hold office for a non-renewable term of nine

years. One third of the membership of the Constitutional Council shal be renewed every three years. Three of its members

shal be appointed by the President of the Republic, three by the President of the National Assembly and three by the

President of the Senate. The procedure provided for in the last paragraph of article 13 shal be applied to these

appointments. The appointments made by the President of each House shal be submitted for consultation only to the

relevant standing committee in that House.

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In addition to the nine members provided for above, former Presidents of the Republic shal be ex officio life members of the Constitutional Council.

The President shal be appointed by the President of the Republic. He shal have a casting vote in the event of a tie.

Article 57

The office of member of the Constitutional Council shal be incompatible with that of Minister or Member of the Houses of

Parliament. Other incompatibilities shal be determined by an Institutional Act.

Article 58

The Constitutional Council shal ensure the proper conduct of the election of the President of the Republic.

It shal examine complaints and shal proclaim the results of the vote.

Article 59

The Constitutional Council shal rule on the proper conduct of the election of Members of the National Assembly and

Senators in disputed cases.

Article 60

The Constitutional Council shal ensure the proper conduct of referendum proceedings as provided for in articles 11 and 89

and in Title XV and shal proclaim the results of the referendum.

Article 61

Institutional Acts, before their promulgation, Private Members’ Bil s mentioned in article 11 before they are submitted to referendum, and the rules of procedure of the Houses of Parliament shal , before coming into force, be referred to the

Constitutional Council, which shal rule on their conformity with the Constitution.

To the same end, Acts of Parliament may be referred to the Constitutional Council, before their promulgation, by the

President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the President of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate, sixty

Members of the National Assembly or sixty Senators.

In the cases provided for in the two foregoing paragraphs, the Constitutional Council must deliver its ruling within one month.

However, at the request of the Government, in cases of urgency, this period shal be reduced to eight days.

In these same cases, referral to the Constitutional Council shal suspend the time al otted for promulgation.

Article 61-1 [1]

If, during proceedings in progress before a court of law, it is claimed that a legislative provision infringes the rights and

freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, the matter may be referred by the Conseil d’Etat or by the Cour de Cassation to

the Constitutional Council which shal rule within a determined period.

An Institutional Act shal determine the conditions for the application of the present article.

Article 62

A provision declared unconstitutional on the basis of article 61 shal be neither promulgated nor implemented.

A provision declared unconstitutional on the basis of article 61-1 shal be repealed as of the publication of the said decision of the Constitutional Council or as of a subsequent date determined by said decision. The Constitutional Council shal

determine the conditions and the limits according to which the effects produced by the provision shal be liable to chal enge.

No appeal shal lie from the decisions of the Constitutional Council. They shal be binding on public authorities and on al

administrative authorities and al courts.

Article 63

An Institutional Act shal determine the rules of organization and operation of the Constitutional Council, the procedure to be fol owed before it and, in particular, the time limits al otted for referring disputes to it.

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TITLE VIII - On Judicial Authority

Article 64

The President of the Republic shal be the guarantor of the independence of the Judicial Authority.

He shal be assisted by the High Council of the Judiciary.

An Institutional Act shal determine the status of members of the Judiciary.

Judges shal be irremovable from office.

Article 65

The High Council of the Judiciary shal be presided over by the President of the Republic. The Minister of Justice shal be its ex officio Vice-president. He may deputize for the President of the Republic.

The High Council of the Judiciary shal consist of two sections, one with jurisdiction over judges, the other over public

prosecutors.

The section with jurisdiction over judges shal comprise, in addition to the President of the Republic and the Minister of

Justice, five judges and one public prosecutor, one Conseil er d'Etat appointed by the Conseil d'Etat, and three prominent citizens who are not members either of Parliament or of the Judiciary, appointed respectively by the President of the

Republic, the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate.

The section with jurisdiction over public prosecutors shal comprise, in addition to the President of the Republic and the

Minister of Justice, five public prosecutors and one judge, and the Conseil er d'Etat together with the three prominent citizens referred to in the preceding paragraph.

The section of the High Council of the Judiciary with jurisdiction over judges shal make recommendations for the

appointment of judges to the Cour de cassation, the Chief Presidents of Courts of Appeal and the Presidents of

the Tribunaux de grande instance. Other judges shal be appointed after consultation with this section.

This section shal act as disciplinary tribunal for judges. When acting in such capacity, it shal be presided over by the Chief President of the Cour de cassation

The section of the High Council of the Judiciary with jurisdiction over public prosecutors shal give its opinion on the

appointment of public prosecutors, with the exception of posts to be fil ed at meetings of the Council of Ministers.

It shal give its opinion on disciplinary measures regarding public prosecutors. When acting in such capacity, it shal be

presided over by the Chief Public Prosecutor at the Cour de cassation.

An Institutional Act shal determine the manner in which this article is to be implemented.

Article 65 [1]

The High Council of the Judiciary shal consist of a section with jurisdiction over judges and a section with jurisdiction over public prosecutors.

The section with jurisdiction over judges shal be presided over by the Chief President of the Cour de cassation. It shal

comprise, in addition, five judges and one public prosecutor, one Conseil er d'Etat appointed by the Conseil d'Etat and one barrister, as wel as six qualified, prominent citizens who are not members of Parliament, of the Judiciary or of

administration. The President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate shal each appoint two qualified, prominent citizens. The procedure provided for in the last paragraph of article 13 shal be applied to the appointments of the qualified, prominent citizens. The appointments made by the President of each House of

Parliament shal be submitted for consultation only to the relevant standing committee in that House.

The section with jurisdiction over public prosecutors shal be presided over by the Chief Public Prosecutor at the Cour de Cassation. It shal comprise, in addition, five public prosecutors and one judge, as wel as the Conseil er d'Etat and the barrister, together with the six qualified, prominent citizens referred to in the second paragraph.

The section of the High Council of the Judiciary with jurisdiction over judges shal make recommendations for the

appointment of judges to the Cour de cassation, the Chief Presidents of Courts of Appeal and the Presidents of the

Tribunaux de grande instance. Other judges shal be appointed after consultation with this section.

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The section of the High Council of the Judiciary with jurisdiction over public prosecutors shal give its opinion on the

appointment of public prosecutors.

The section of the High Council of the Judiciary with jurisdiction over judges shal act as disciplinary tribunal for judges.

When acting in such capacity, in addition to the members mentioned in the second paragraph, it shal comprise the judge

belonging to the section with jurisdiction over public prosecutors.

The section of the High Council of the Judiciary with jurisdiction over public prosecutors shal give its opinion on disciplinary measures regarding public prosecutors. When acting in such capacity, it shal comprise, in addition to the members

mentioned in paragraph three, the public prosecutor belonging to the section with jurisdiction over judges.

The High Council of the Judiciary shal meet in plenary section to reply to the requests for opinions made by the President of the Republic in application of article 64. It shal also express its opinion in plenary section, on questions concerning the deontology of judges or on any question concerning the operation of justice which is referred to it by the Minister of Justice.

The plenary section comprises three of the five judges mentioned in the second paragraph, three of the five prosecutors

mentioned in the third paragraph as wel as the Conseil er d'Etat, the barrister and the six qualified, prominent citizens referred to in the second paragraph. It is presided over by the Chief President of the Cour de cassation who may be

substituted by the Chief Public Prosecutor of this court.

The Minister of Justice may participate in al the sittings of the sections of the High Council of the Judiciary except those concerning disciplinary matters.

According to the conditions determined by an Institutional Act, a referral may be made to the High Council of the Judiciary by a person subject to trial.

The Institutional Act shal determine the manner in which this article is to be implemented.

Article 66

No one shal be arbitrarily detained.

The Judicial Authority, guardian of the freedom of the individual, shal ensure compliance with this principle in the conditions laid down by statute.

Article 66-1

No one shal be sentenced to death.

TITLE IX - The High Court

Article 67

The President of the Republic shal incur no liability by reason of acts carried out in his official capacity, subject to the

provisions of Articles 53-2 and 68 hereof.

Throughout his term of office the President shal not be required to testify before any French Court of law or Administrative

authority and shal not be the object of any civil proceedings, nor of any preferring of charges, prosecution or investigatory measures. Al limitation periods shal be suspended for the duration of said term of office.

Al actions and proceedings thus stayed may be reactivated or brought against the President one month after the end of his

term of office.

Article 68

The President of the Republic shal not be removed from office during the term thereof on any grounds other than a breach

of his duties patently incompatible with his continuing in office. Such removal from office shal be proclaimed by Parliament

sitting as the High Court.

The proposal to convene the High Court adopted by one or other of the Houses of Parliament shal be immediately

transmitted to the other House which shal make its decision known within fifteen days of receipt thereof.

The High Court shal be presided over by the President of the National Assembly. It shal give its ruling as to the removal

from office of the President, by secret bal ot, within one month. Its decision shal have immediate effect.

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Rulings given hereunder shal require a majority of two thirds of the members of the House involved or of the High Court. No

proxy voting shal be al owed. Only votes in favour of the removal from office or the convening of the High Court shal be

counted.

An Institutional Act shal determine the conditions for the application hereof.

TITLE X - On the Criminal Liability of Members of the Government

Article 68-1

Members of the Government shal be criminal y liable for acts performed in the holding of their office and classified as

serious crimes or other major offences at the time they were committed.

They shal be tried by the Court of Justice of the Republic.

The Court of Justice of the Republic shal be bound by such definition of serious crimes and other major offences and such

determination of penalties as are laid down by statute.

Article 68-2

The Court of Justice of the Republic shal consist of fifteen members: twelve Members of Parliament, elected in equal

number from among their ranks by the National Assembly and the Senate after each general or partial renewal by election of

these Houses, and three judges of the Cour de cassation, one of whom shal preside over the Court of Justice of the

Republic.

Any person claiming to be a victim of a serious crime or other major offence committed by a member of the Government in

the holding of his office may lodge a complaint with a petitions committee.

This committee shal order the case to be either closed or forwarded to the Chief Public Prosecutor at the Cour de

cassation for referral to the Court of Justice of the Republic.

The Chief Public prosecutor at the Cour de cassation may also make a referral ex officio to the Court of Justice of the Republic with the assent of the petitions committee. An Institutional Act shal determine the manner in which this article is to be implemented.

Article 68-3

The provisions of this title shal apply to acts committed before its entry into force.

TITLE XI - The Economic, Social and Environmental Council

Article 69

The Economic and Social Council, on a referral from the Government, shal give its opinion on such Government Bil s, draft

Ordinances, draft Decrees, and Private Members' Bil s as have been submitted to it.

A member of the Economic and Social Council may be designated by the Council to present, to the Houses of Parliament,

the opinion of the Council on such drafts, Government or Private Members' Bil s as have been submitted to it.

Article 69 [1]

The Economic, Social and Environmental Council, on a referral from the Government, shal give its opinion on such

Government Bil s, draft Ordinances, draft Decrees, and Private Members' Bil s as have been submitted to it.

A member of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council may be designated by the Council to present, to the Houses

of Parliament, the opinion of the Council on such drafts, Government or Private Members' Bil s as have been submitted to it.

A referral may be made to the Economic, Social and Environmental Council by petition, in the manner determined by an

Institutional Act. After consideration of the petition, it shal inform the Government and Parliament of the pursuant action it proposes.

Article 70

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The Economic, Social and Environmental Council may also be consulted by the Government or Parliament on any

economic, social or environmental issue. The Government may also consult it on Programming Bil s setting down the

multiannual guidelines for public finances. Any plan or Programming Bil of an economic, social or environmental nature

shal be submitted to it for its opinion.

Article 71

The composition of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, which must not exceed two hundred and thirty-three

members, and its rules of proceeding shal be determined by an Institutional Act.

TITLE XI A – The Defender of Rights

Article 71-1 [1]

The Defender of Rights shal ensure the due respect of rights and freedoms by state administrations, territorial communities, public legal entities, as wel as by al bodies carrying out a public service mission or by those that the Institutional Act decides fal within his remit.

Referral may be made to the Defender of Rights, in the manner determined by an Institutional Act, by every person who

considers his rights to have been infringed by the operation of a public service or of a body mentioned in the first paragraph.

He may act without referral.

The Institutional Act shal set down the mechanisms for action and powers of the Defender of Rights. It shal determine the manner in which he may be assisted by third parties in the exercise of certain of his powers.

The Defender of Rights shal be appointed by the President of the Republic for a six-year, non-renewable term, after the

application of the procedure provided for in the last paragraph of article 13. This position is incompatible with membership of the Government or membership of Parliament. Other incompatibilities shal be determined by the Institutional Act.

The Defender of Rights is accountable for his actions to the President of the Republic and to Parliament.

TITLE XII - On Territorial Communities

Article 72

The territorial communities of the Republic shal be the Communes, the Départements, the Regions, the Special-Status communities and the Overseas Territorial communities to which article 74 applies. Any other territorial community created, if

need be, to replace one or more communities provided for by this paragraph shal be created by statute.

Territorial communities may take decisions in al matters arising under powers that can best be exercised at their level.

In the conditions provided for by statute, these communities shal be self-governing through elected councils and shal have

power to make regulations for matters coming within their jurisdiction.

In the manner provided for by an Institutional Act, except where the essential conditions for the exercise of public freedoms

or of a right guaranteed by the Constitution are affected, territorial communities or associations thereof may, where provision is made by statute or regulation, as the case may be, derogate on an experimental basis for limited purposes and duration

from provisions laid down by statute or regulation governing the exercise of their powers.

No territorial community may exercise authority over another. However, where the exercising of a power requires the

combined action of several territorial communities, one of those communities or one of their associations may be authorised

by statute to organise such combined action.

In the territorial communities of the Republic, the State representative, representing each of the Members of the

Government, shal be responsible for national interests, administrative supervision and compliance with the law.

Article 72-1

The conditions in which voters in each territorial community may use their right of petition to ask for a matter within the

powers of the community to be entered on the agenda of its Deliberative Assembly shal be determined by statute.

In the conditions determined by an Institutional Act, draft decisions or acts within the powers of a territorial community may, on the initiative of the latter, be submitted for a decision by voters of said community by means of a referendum

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When the creation of a special-status territorial community or modification of its organisation are contemplated, a decision

may be taken by statute to consult the voters registered in the relevant communities. Voters may also be consulted on

changes to the boundaries of territorial communities in the conditions determined by statute.

Article 72-2

Territorial communities shal enjoy revenue of which they may dispose freely in the conditions determined by statute.

They may receive al or part of the proceeds of taxes of al kinds. They may be authorised by statute to determine the basis

of assessment and the rates thereof, within the limits set by such statutes.

Tax revenue and other own revenue of territorial communities shal , for each category of territorial community, represent a

decisive share of their revenue. The conditions for the implementation of this rule shal be determined by an Institutional Act.

Whenever powers are transferred between central government and the territorial communities, revenue equivalent to that

given over to the exercise of those powers shal also be transferred. Whenever the effect of newly created or extended

powers is to increase the expenditure to be borne by territorial communities, revenue as determined by statute shal be

al ocated to said communities.

Equalisation mechanisms intended to promote equality between territorial communities shal be provided for by statute.

Article 72-3

The Republic shal recognise the overseas populations within the French people in a common ideal of liberty, equality and

fraternity.

Guadeloupe, Guyane, Martinique, Réunion, Mayotte, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, the Wal is

and Futuna Islands and French Polynesia shal be governed by article 73 as regards overseas departments and regions and

for the territorial communities set up under the final paragraph of article 73, and by article 74 for the other communities.

The status of New Caledonia shal be governed by title XIII.

The legislative system and special organisation of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories and Clipperton shal be

determined by statute.

Article 72-4

No change of status as provided for by articles 73 and 74 with respect to the whole or part of any one of the communities to

which the second paragraph of article 72-3 applies, shal take place without the prior consent of voters in the relevant

community or part of a community being sought in the manner provided for by the paragraph below. Such change of status

shal be made by an Institutional Act.

The President of the Republic may, on a recommendation from the Government when Parliament is in session or on a joint

motion of the two Houses, published in either case in the Journal officiel, decide to consult voters in an overseas territorial community on a question relating to its organisation, its powers or its legislative system. Where the referendum concerns a

change of status as provided for by the foregoing paragraph and is held in response to a recommendation by the

Government, the Government shal make a statement before each House which shal be fol owed by debate.

Article 73

In the overseas departments and regions, statutes and regulations shal be automatical y applicable. They may be adapted

in the light of the specific characteristics and constraints of such communities.

Those adaptations may be decided on by the communities in areas in which their powers are exercised if the relevant

communities have been empowered to that end by statute.

By way of derogation from the first paragraph hereof and in order to take account of their specific features, communities to

which this article applies may be empowered by statute to determine themselves the rules applicable in their territory in a

limited number of matters that fal to be determined by statute.

These rules may not concern nationality, civic rights, the guarantees of civil liberties, the status and capacity of persons, the organisation of justice, criminal law, criminal procedure, foreign policy, defence, public security and public order, currency, credit and exchange, or electoral law. This list may be clarified and amplified by an Institutional Act.

The two foregoing paragraphs shal not apply in the department and region of Réunion.

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The powers to be conferred pursuant to the second and third paragraphs hereof shal be determined at the request of the

relevant territorial community in the conditions and subject to the reservations provided for by an Institutional Act. They may not be conferred where the essential conditions for the exercise of civil liberties or of a right guaranteed by the Constitution are affected.

The setting up by statute of a territorial community to replace an overseas department and region or a single Deliberative

Assembly for the two communities shal not be carried out unless the consent of the voters registered there has first been

sought as provided by the second paragraph of article 72-4.

Article 73 [1]

In the overseas departments and regions, statutes and regulations shal be automatical y applicable. They may be adapted

in the light of the specific characteristics and constraints of such communities.

Those adaptations may be decided on by the communities in areas in which their powers are exercised if the relevant

communities have been empowered to that end by statute or by regulation, whichever is the case.

By way of derogation from the first paragraph hereof and in order to take account of their specific features, communities to which this article applies may be empowered by statute or by regulation, whichever is the case, to determine themselves the rules applicable in their territory in a limited number of matters that fal to be determined by statute or by regulation.

These rules may not concern nationality, civic rights, the guarantees of civil liberties, the status and capacity of persons, the organisation of justice, criminal law, criminal procedure, foreign policy, defence, public security and public order, currency, credit and exchange, or electoral law. This list may be clarified and amplified by an Institutional Act.

The two foregoing paragraphs shal not apply in the department and region of Réunion.

The powers to be conferred pursuant to the second and third paragraphs hereof shal be determined at the request of the

relevant territorial community in the conditions and subject to the reservations provided for by an Institutional Act. They may not be conferred where the essential conditions for the exercise of civil liberties or of a right guaranteed by the Constitution are affected.

The setting up by statute of a territorial community to replace an overseas department and region or a single Deliberative Assembly for the two communities shal not be carried out unless the consent of the voters registered there has first been sought as provided by the second paragraph of article 72-4.

Article 74

The Overseas territorial communities to which this article applies shal have a status reflecting their respective local interests within the Republic.

This status shal be determined by an Institutional Act, passed after consultation of the Deliberative Assembly, which shal

specify:

the conditions in which statutes and regulations shal apply there;

the powers of the territorial community; subject to those already exercised by said community the transfer of

central government powers may not involve any of the matters listed in paragraph four of article 73, as specified

and completed, if need be, by an Institutional Act

the rules governing the organisation and operation of the institutions of the territorial community and the electoral

system for its Deliberative Assembly

the conditions in which its institutions are consulted on Government or Private Members’ Bil s and draft

Ordinances or draft Decrees containing provisions relating specifical y to the community and to the ratification or

approval of international undertakings entered into in matters within its powers

The Institutional Act may also, for such territorial communities as are self-governing, determine the conditions in which:

the Conseil d’Etat shal exercise specific judicial review of certain categories of decisions taken by the Deliberative Assembly in matters which are within the powers vested in it by statute;

the Deliberative Assembly may amend a statute promulgated after the coming into effect of the new status of said

territorial community where the Constitutional Council, acting in particular on a referral from the authorities of the

territorial community, has found that statute law has intervened in a field within the powers of said Assembly;

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measures justified by local needs may be taken by the territorial community in favour of its population as regards

access to employment, the right of establishment for the exercise of a professional activity or the protection of land;

the community may, subject to review by the central government, participate in the exercise of the powers vested

in it while showing due respect for the guaranties given throughout national territory for the exercising of civil

liberties.

The other rules governing the specific organisation of the territorial communities to which this article applies shal be

determined and amended by statute after consultation with their Deliberative Assembly.

Article 74-1

In the Overseas territorial communities referred to by Article 74 and in New Caledonia, the Government may, in matters

which remain within its power, extend by Ordinance, with any necessary adaptations, the legislative provisions applying in

mainland France, or adapt the legislative provisions applying, to the specific organization of the community in question,

provided statute law has not expressly excluded the use of this procedure for the provisions involved.

Such Ordinances shal be issued in the Council of Ministers after receiving the opinion of the relevant Deliberative

Assemblies and the Conseil d’Etat. They shal come into force upon publication. They shal lapse if they are not ratified by

Parliament within eighteen months of their publication.

Article 75

Citizens of the Republic who do not have ordinary civil status, the sole status referred to in Article 34, shal retain their

personal status until such time as they have renounced the same.

Article 75-1

Regional languages are part of France’s heritage.

TITLE XIII - Transitional Provisions relating to New Caledonia

Article 76

The population of New Caledonia is cal ed upon to vote by 31 December 1998 on the provisions of the agreement signed at

Nouméa on 5 May 1998, published in the Journal officiel of the French Republic on 27 May 1998.

Persons satisfying the requirements laid down in article 2 of Act No. 88-1028 of 9 November 1988 shal be eligible to take

part in the vote.

The measures required to organize the voting process shal be taken by decree adopted after consultation with the Conseil

d'Etat and discussion in the Council of Ministers.

Article 77

After approval of the agreement by the vote provided for in article 76, the Institutional Act passed after consultation with the Deliberative Assembly of New Caledonia shal determine, in order to ensure the development of New Caledonia in

accordance with the guidelines set out in that agreement and in the manner required for its implementation:

- those of the State's powers which are to be definitively transferred to the institutions of New Caledonia, the applicable time frame and the manner in which said transfer shal be proceeded with, together with the apportionment of expenditure arising

in connection therewith;

- the rules governing the organization and operation of the institutions of New Caledonia, in particular the circumstances in

which certain kinds of decisions taken by the Deliberative Assembly of New Caledonia may be referred to the Constitutional

Council for review before publication;

- the rules concerning citizenship, the electoral system, employment, and personal status as laid down by customary law;

- the conditions and the time limits within which the population concerned in New Caledonia is to vote on the attainment of

ful sovereignty.

Any other measures required to give effect to the agreement referred to in article 76 shal be determined by statute.

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For the purpose of defining the body of electors cal ed upon to elect members of the Deliberative Assemblies of New

Caledonia and the provinces, the list referred to in the Agreement mentioned in Article 76 hereof and Sections 188 and 189

of Institutional Act n° 99-209 of March 19th 1999 pertaining to New Caledonia is the list drawn up for the bal ot provided for in Article 76 hereinabove which includes those persons not eligible to vote.

Articles 78 to 86 (Repealed)

TITLE XIV - On the French-speaking World and on Association Agreements

Article 87

The Republic shal participate in the development of solidarity and cooperation between States and peoples having the

French language in common.

Article 88

The Republic may enter into agreements with States which wish to associate with it in order to develop their civilizations.

TITLE XV - On the European Communities and the European Union

On the European Union [1]

Article 88-1

The Republic shal participate in the European Communities and in the European Union constituted by States which have

freely chosen by virtue of the treaties which established them to exercise some of their powers in common.

It shal participate in the European Union in the conditions provided for by the Treaty of Lisbon amending the Treaty on

European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community, signed on 13 December, 2007.

Article 88-1 [1]

The Republic shal participate in the European Union constituted by States which have freely chosen to exercise some of

their powers in common by virtue of the Treaty on European Union and of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European

Union, as they result from the treaty signed in Lisbon on 13 December, 2007.

Article 88-2

Subject to reciprocity and in accordance with the terms of the Treaty on European Union signed on 7 February 1992, France

agrees to the transfer of powers necessary for the establishment of the European Economic and Monetary Union.

Subject to the same reservation and in accordance with the terms of the Treaty establishing the European Community, as

amended by the Treaty signed on 2 October 1997, the transfer of powers necessary for the determination of rules

concerning freedom of movement for persons and related areas may be agreed.

Statutes shal determine the rules relating to the European arrest warrant pursuant to acts adopted under the Treaty of

European Union.

Article 88-2 [1]

Statutes shal determine the rules relating to the European arrest warrant pursuant to acts adopted by the institutions on the European Union.

Article 88-3

Subject to reciprocity and in accordance with the terms of the Treaty on European Union signed on 7 February 1992, the

right to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal elections shal be granted only to citizens of the Union residing in France.

Such citizens shal neither hold the office of Mayor or Deputy Mayor nor participate in the designation of Senate electors or

in the election of Senators. An Institutional Act passed in identical terms by the two Houses shal determine the manner of

implementation of this article.

Article 88-4

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The Government shal lay before the National Assembly and the Senate drafts of or proposals for Acts of the European

Communities and the European Union containing provisions which are of a statutory nature as soon as they have been

transmitted to the Council of the European Union. It may also lay before them other drafts of or proposals for Acts or any

instrument issuing from a European Union Institution.

In the manner laid down by the rules of procedure of each House, resolutions may be passed, even if Parliament is not in

session, on the drafts, proposals or instruments referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Article 88-4 [1]

The Government shal lay before the National Assembly and the Senate drafts of European legislative Acts as wel as other

drafts of or proposals for Acts of the European Union as soon as they have been transmitted to the Council of the European Union.

In the manner laid down by the rules of procedure of each House, European resolutions may be passed, even if Parliament

is not in session, on the drafts or proposals referred to in the preceding paragraph, as wel as on any document issuing from a European Union Institution.

A committee in charge of European affairs shal be set up in each parliamentary assembly.

Article 88-5

Any Government Bil authorizing the ratification of a Treaty pertaining to the accession of a State to the European Union and

to the European Communities shal be submitted to referendum by the President of the Republic.

Article 88-5 [1]

Any Government Bil authorizing the ratification of a Treaty pertaining to the accession of a State to the European Union

shal be submitted to referendum by the President of the Republic.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, by passing a motion adopted in identical terms in each House by a three-fifths majority,

Parliament may authorize the passing of the bil according to the procedure provided for in paragraph three of article 89.

Article 88-6 [1]

The National Assembly or the Senate may issue a reasoned opinion as to the conformity of a draft proposal for a European

Act with the principle of subsidiarity. Said opinion shal be addressed by the President of the House involved to the

Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. The

Government shal be informed of said opinion.

Each House may institute proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union against a European Act for non-

compliance with the principle of subsidiarity. Such proceedings shal be referred to the Court of Justice of the European

Union by the Government.

For the purpose of the foregoing, resolutions may be passed, even if Parliament is not in session, in the manner set down

by the Rules of Procedure of each House for the tabling and discussion thereof.

Article 88-7 [1]

Parliament may, by the passing of a motion in identical terms by the National Assembly and the Senate, oppose any

modification of the rules governing the passing of Acts of the European Union in cases provided for under the simplified

revision procedure for treaties or under judicial cooperation on civil matters, as set forth in the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, as they result from the treaty signed in Lisbon on December 13,

2007.

TITLE XVI - On Amendments to the Constitution

Article 89

The President of the Republic, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, and Members of Parliament alike shal have

the right to initiate amendments to the Constitution.

A Government or a Private Member's Bil to amend the Constitution must be considered within the time limits set down in the

third paragraph of article 42 and be passed by the two Houses in identical terms. The amendment shal take effect after

approval by referendum.

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However, a Government Bil to amend the Constitution shal not be submitted to referendum where the President of the

Republic decides to submit it to Parliament convened in Congress; the Government Bil to amend the Constitution shal then

be approved only if it is passed by a three-fifths majority of the votes cast. The Bureau of the Congress shal be that of the National Assembly.

No amendment procedure shal be commenced or continued where the integrity of national territory is placed in jeopardy.

The republican form of government shal not be the object of any amendment.

TITLE XVII - Provisional Measures (Repealed)

CHARTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

The French People

Considering that

Natural resources and equilibriums have conditioned the emergence of mankind;

The future and very existence of mankind are inextricably linked with its natural environment;

The environment is the common heritage of al mankind;

Mankind exerts ever-increasing influence over the conditions for life and its own evolution;

Biological diversity, the fulfilment of the person and the progress of human societies are affected by certain types of

consumption or production and by excessive exploitation of natural resources;

Care must be taken to safeguard the environment along with the other fundamental interests of the Nation;

In order to ensure sustainable development, choices designed to meet the needs of the present generation should not

jeopardise the ability of future generations and other peoples to meet their own needs,

Hereby proclaim:

Art 1 - Everyone has the right to live in a balanced environment which shows due respect for health.

Art 2 - Everyone is under a duty to participate in preserving and enhancing the environment.

Art 3 - Everyone shal , in the conditions provided for by law, foresee and avoid the occurrence of any damage which he or

she may cause to the environment or, failing that, limit the consequences of such damage.

Art 4 - Everyone shal be required, in the conditions provided for by law, to contribute to the making good of any damage he

or she may have caused to the environment.

Art 5 - When the occurrence of any damage, albeit unpredictable in the current state of scientific knowledge, may seriously

and irreversibly harm the environment, public authorities shal , with due respect for the principle of precaution and the areas within their jurisdiction, ensure the implementation of procedures for risk assessment and the adoption of temporary

measures commensurate with the risk involved in order to preclude the occurrence of such damage.

Art 6- Public policies shal promote sustainable development. To this end they shal reconcile the protection and

enhancement of the environment with economic development and social progress.

Art 7 - Everyone has the right, in the conditions and to the extent provided for by law, to have access to information

pertaining to the environment in the possession of public bodies and to participate in the public decision-taking process

likely to affect the environment

Art 8 - Education and training with regard to the environment shal contribute to the exercising of the rights and duties set out in this Charter.

Art 9 - Research and innovation shal contribute to the preservation and development of the environment.

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Art 10 - This Charter shal inspire France’s actions at both European and international levels.

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