Emmanuel Macron had proposed the Minister of Territorial Cohesion to join the Constitutional Council. Several elected officials criticized the minister for her lack of legal training.
Article written by
Published
Update
Reading time : 1 min.
The Minister of Territorial Cohesion Jacqueline Gourault (MoDem), whose name had been proposed by Emmanuel Macron to join the Constitutional Council, was dubbed by parliamentarians on Wednesday February 23.
Even if the minister said to herself “ready to do [sa] moult” to enter the Constitutional Council, his appointment had been criticized by the opposition. They had pointed to his lack of training in law, and the risk of bias of the minister with regard to Emmanuel Macron. Some senators, despite a more favorable reception, questioned her about past decisions of the Constitutional Council or its possible developments. Senator LR Philippe Bas replied that “the Constitutional Council not only needs jurists but also needs personalities who know French society”.
After having questioned the Minister, the Law Commission voted in favor of her appointment with 41 votes for, 31 against and 4 abstentions. It would have taken three-fifths of the members of the commission to oppose the presidential choice to prevent his entry into the highest French legal institution.
The Constitutional Council, currently chaired by Laurent Fabius, is made up of nine members appointed in equal shares by the President of the Republic and the presidents of the two assemblies, to which are added ex officio members. Their mandate lasts nine years and is not renewable, to guarantee their independence.