Constitutional Council (France)

Debate: Why France needs the Fifth Republic

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 25, 2023

Established in 1958 after the government collapsed in the throes of the Algerian War, the new constitution featured a president with considerable powers.

Key Points: 
  • Established in 1958 after the government collapsed in the throes of the Algerian War, the new constitution featured a president with considerable powers.
  • In 2022, both the far right (Rassemblement National) and the far left (La France Insoumise) successfully sent a staggering number of representatives to the assembly.
  • However unprecedented, this result only confirmed that any political party needs local anchorage and time to climb the constitutional ladder.

Taming executive power, ensuring political stablity

    • The Third Republic (1870–1940) modernised the country and implemented state laws that schooled multiple generations into becoming citizens.
    • It was not without flaws: between 1876 and 1940, 101 cabinets came and went, essentially due to parliamentary instability and a total absence of authority within the executive power.
    • France’s defeat in 1940 finished off the Third Republic and eventually led to the Vichy Régime.

Looking to Germany and the UK

    • Today, when finding fault with France’s institutions, the systems of neighbouring countries such as Germany and Britain are often brought up.
    • The comparison is not apt, however, for British and German parliamentary systems do not meet France’s standards for process and governance.
    • And while such systems succeed in Britain and Germany, France’s history has shown that it is a nation that regards political compromise as a sign of institutional weakness.
    • Nothing today, save for unpopular reforms presented to parliament and Emmanuel Macron’s general unpopularity can justify overthrowing France’s constitution.

The flip side of power

    • While the Fifth Republic certainly confers great power to its presidents, and so draws political hatred and violence against them (rather than against the assembly), this system guarantees political stability.
    • Calling for the establishment of new institutions at a time of social crisis and spreading populism is not productive.
    • Citizens across France certainly distrust Emmanuel Macron, but this need not entail an automatic rejection of the nation’s institutions.
    • While it certainly places significant power into the hands of a single person, the constitution ensures that it is still up to the people to decide who shall govern their lives.

Monaco Police Clears Najib Mikati and Family Members of Money Laundering Allegations

Retrieved on: 
Friday, August 25, 2023

An investigation into Najib Mikati and family has been concluded, resulting in the dismissal of all allegations and closure of the case.

Key Points: 
  • An investigation into Najib Mikati and family has been concluded, resulting in the dismissal of all allegations and closure of the case.
  • Following a comprehensive investigation, Monaco’s Judicial Police confirmed on August 23 that there was no evidence of any wrongdoing regarding money laundering allegations made more than three years ago.
  • The Mikati family was always confident that this would be the outcome as it was aware that there was no basis to these claims.
  • With a Lebanese case also recently dropped, there are no ongoing investigations, queries, or indictments against any of the Mikati family in any jurisdiction.

Lebanon’s PM Mikati Media Office Take on "Pandora Papers"

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Most family assets and properties fall under the same corporate principle of management and good governance.

Key Points: 
  • Most family assets and properties fall under the same corporate principle of management and good governance.
  • The group respects the right of board members &/or senior executives to run for or hold public office.
  • However, politics &/or public office holders do not influence the groups guiding principles and business operations; and vice-versa.
  • At all times, PM Mikati and M1 Group respect the rule of law and abide by it everywhere.