How Mps Influence Law Changes In France

French Members of Parliament (MPs) have the power to propose and pass new laws, as well as amend or reject existing ones. For instance, in 2023, French MPs passed a controversial immigration reform bill that was criticised by human rights groups and caused divisions within the governing alliance. In another instance, a French MP proposed a law to lower the voting age to 16, although this was ultimately rejected by the government. The French Parliament, as a legislative body, plays a crucial role in shaping the country's legal landscape, and its powers and structure have evolved over time.

French MPs can propose new laws

Another instance of French MPs proposing new laws was in December 2023, when MPs passed a controversial immigration reform bill. This bill toughened France's immigration policy, making it more difficult for migrants to bring family members to the country and delaying their access to welfare benefits. It also included a provision that discriminated between citizens and migrants, even those living in the country legally, when determining eligibility for benefits. This law exposed divisions within the governing alliance, with 27 MPs voting against and 32 abstaining.

French law has a complex history, influenced by Roman law, customs, and parliamentary decisions. The French legal system underwent significant changes after the French Revolution in 1789, sweeping away the old regime. A unified code of private law was passed under Napoleon in 1804. Today, there are about 78 legal codes in force in France, dealing with both public and private law. The French Constitution specifically authorizes the country's participation in the European Union, and EU law is considered superior to domestic legislation.

French MPs play a crucial role in proposing and passing new laws, and their actions can have a significant impact on the country's legal landscape.

French MPs can pass laws

French Members of Parliament (MPs) can pass laws. For example, in December 2023, French MPs passed a controversial immigration reform bill. The amended bill was supported by President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Renaissance party and Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally. The new legislation makes it harder for migrants to bring family members to France, delays their access to welfare benefits, and bans the detention of minors in detention centres.

French MPs have also proposed laws to extend the voting age to 16-year-olds, allowing them to vote, drive, and stand as candidates in elections. While this proposal was initially brushed aside by the government, it has gained support from various political figures, including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and France's Europe minister Clément Beaune.

The French legal system has undergone significant changes throughout history, including the influence of Roman law, customs, parliamentary decisions, and the French Revolution. The country currently has about 78 legal codes, which cover both public and private law. The primary source of French law is legislation, with an emphasis on statutes rather than case law, as seen in common law jurisdictions.

French MPs play a crucial role in passing laws that impact various aspects of society, such as immigration and voting rights. The process of proposing and debating bills, as well as considering amendments, demonstrates the active involvement of French MPs in shaping the country's legal framework.

French MPs can amend laws

In another instance, French MPs passed a controversial immigration reform bill, which was backed by President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Renaissance party and Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally. The bill included provisions that made it more difficult for migrants to bring family members to France and delayed their access to welfare benefits. This example illustrates how French MPs can amend laws and shape immigration policy.

French MPs have also proposed laws that have gained attention, such as a proposal to lower the voting age to 16. While this particular proposal was brushed aside by the government, it showcases how French MPs can initiate and drive discussions on potential legal amendments.

Furthermore, French MPs have been actively involved in lobbying and proposing amendments to ease visits to second homes in France, particularly for British citizens. These efforts have included amendments for automatic visa rights, demonstrating the MPs' ability to influence and amend laws surrounding immigration and residency.

Overall, French MPs play a crucial role in shaping the country's legal landscape by proposing, debating, and voting on legislation. They have the power to amend laws, initiate legal discussions, and influence policy decisions, as highlighted by the aforementioned examples.

EU law influences French law

French legislation follows a hierarchy of norms, with constitutional laws at the top, followed by treaties, parliamentary statutes, and government regulations. While French courts consider the French Constitution to be superior to international treaties, including EU treaties and EU law, EU institutions view EU law as superior to the laws of member states. This discrepancy has led to debates and legal challenges regarding the primacy of EU law over French national law.

Article 55 of the French Constitution of 1958 implies the supremacy of international treaties over French law, stating that ratified treaties or agreements have higher authority than statutes under specific conditions. This reciprocity means that France accepts the primacy of EU law to the extent that other Member States also accept it. However, France's monist state system, where international law and internal law are integrated, adds complexity to this dynamic.

The European Union adopts laws based on EU treaties, which establish its institutions, powers, and areas of legislation. These laws are transposed into French domestic law, impacting civil, criminal, administrative, and constitutional domains. Ordinary civil and administrative courts in France determine the compatibility of French law with EU law, and the Constitutional Council can examine statutes implementing EU directives if they contradict French constitutional principles.

France's relationship with EU law is further influenced by its republican tradition, which includes a judicial review process for ensuring the conformity of statutory law with the Constitution. This review process, introduced by the Constitution of October 4, 1958, and empowered in 1971, has created a dynamic where international commitments, including EU treaties, compete with the constitutionality block in the national legal space.

French law is based on statutes

The French legal system has undergone significant changes throughout history, including during the French Revolution, which began in 1789 and swept away the old regime. Before the Revolution, there was a constant struggle between royal legislation, traditional conceptions of the law of the realm (customs and Roman law), and parliamentary regulatory decisions. Even prior to the Revolution, French enlightenment thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Montesquieu were major influences on the law throughout Europe and the United States.

Following the Revolution, a unified code of private law was passed in 1804 under Napoleon. This was a transformative Civil Code, and while it aimed to clarify and make the law more accessible, it also removed contradictions and compiled one code in a particular area of law. However, areas of law often overlap, and codes cannot contain all the laws in a given field.

In modern times, French MPs continue to propose and pass laws, such as the recent controversial immigration reform and a law to combat unsolicited telemarketing calls. French MPs have also proposed laws regarding the rights of 16-year-olds and amendments to ease visits to second homes in France.

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