The
French Senate represents local communities, composed of 3,680 communes
and divided into 26 regions (5 regions outside of country).
The division is in proportion to the size of the population. In a
commune, there are 95 per cent of electors- Les grand électeurs-
representing territories and towns, and elected in proportion to the
size of the population. Elections are held in provinces (Départments).
In 2000, the Constitutional Council interpreted Article 24 of the French
Constitution that the French Senate should be indirectly elected by
local councillors (Elus locaux), i.e., represented by local communities.
The
French Senate concentrates on the benefits of localities because it is
the benefits of the elected local communities. The senators make a
direct call on the local people. In 1982, a
decentralization law was introduced, and the French Senate ensured a
smooth implementation of this law. The French Senate acts as a spokesman
for the local communities. It represents the legislative power and the
interests of the local communities, which are autonomous and responsible
in nature. The French Senate’s main task is to review laws and find ways
to coordinate local interests. The Senate has the
power to vote down laws proposed by the government and make bills. In
1998, the Senate gave more teeth to the local communities, making it
possible for them to handle general affairs. In 1984, 1986 and 1988, the
Senate adopted a law designed to encourage the local bodies to hold
debates and make reports and suggestions in order to bring their needs
to the attention of the government.
On the other hand, the local communities set up working groups to
monitor budget management for performances in each locality.
Answering
the questions put by Cambodian senators about the power to amend any
legal texts, H.E Serge VINÇON said that the French Senate is empowered
to put direct or written questions to members of
the government, which must be answered. The questions and answers must
be published in the State Affair Book. Representatives of the local
communities are entitled to observe deliberations in the Senate plenary
sessions. The French Senate also set up its
Internet homepage, which gives the public access to any information
through website. H.E Serge VINÇON also told the participants about local
management systems in France, especially involving local councils.
Commune heads can delegate power to their nine deputies, who are
responsible for such areas as economy, sports, education and
environment. H.E Serge VINÇON said in case of differences between the
two Houses (Lower House and Upper House) over any law, the government
may propose to form a mixed commission, equally represented by 7
senators and 7 members of the National Assembly, to seek a compromise
solution. If the commission fails to reach a compromise, the National
Assembly will give the final approval to the proposed bill. On
decentralization, H.E Serge VINÇON said that France had gone through
many obstacles before the decentralization system could function as
smoothly as today.
The
French government has also made great effort for sex equality. But in
spite of the introduction of legislation on gender
equality by French parliament in 1999, male MPs still outnumber female ones: 10 per cent of all the 321members
of the French Senate are men.
Chairman of the France-Cambodia Friendship Group H.E Christian de la
Malène said that it was very important for the process of
decentralization system to surrender power to localities but clear-cut
approaches and orientations must be defined.
