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Change Your Life! |
French Cabinet adopts bill to shorten presidential mandate |
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June 8, 2000
PARIS, JUNE 7 (AP) - France's Cabinet on Wednesday adopted a bill to reduce the presidential mandate from seven years to five, days after President Jacques Chirac signaled his approval for the long-debated proposal.
The Cabinet decision ensures the bill will go before parliament for debate and is a first step in the long process of changing the constitutional amendment that provides for a seven-year term.
"This reform is necessary because it corresponds more closely to the rhythm of today's democracy," Justice Minister Elisabeth Guigou said after the meeting.
Supporters of the proposal say it would modernize French political life by allowing voters to voice their opinion more often. Critics say it would make the national leader more vulnerable to voters' whims and could damage national institutions.
Polls have showed large public backing for the reduced term, an idea that has been debated for decades.
On Monday, Chirac said he would move to reduce the presidential term but would put the issue to voters in a referendum if both houses of parliament approve the change. He threatened to halt the process if opponents used to occasion to seek wider changes.
Chirac has opposed the measure in the past. His change of heart followed growing pressure from former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing and Socialist Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.
Chirac and Jospin are considered likely contenders in the next presidential election in 2002, when the shortened term would take effect.
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