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Labor Law President Emmanuel Macron has utilized ordinances to enact labor law reforms in France. This approach, provided for in Article 38 of the 1958 Constitution, grants the government the authority to request parliamentary authorization to issue ordinances for a limited period, even for matters typically within the domain of legislation. Ordinarily, laws undergo discussions in Parliament, with various amendments proposed by deputies from different political parties. However, these debates can be time-consuming due to legal deadlines. In contrast, when the government is authorized to legislate by ordinance, the process becomes expedited, bypassing parliamentary debates. The government drafts the ordinance, which is then signed by the President of the Republic.
Legislative Reforms through Ordinances: A Fast-Track Approach to Labor Law:-
Upon publication in the Official Journal, the ordinance immediately takes effect and is enforceable. It resembles a decree. Parliament subsequently has the power to approve or reject the ordinance. Approval results in the ordinance becoming law, while rejection renders it null and void. Given the current government’s significant majority in the National Assembly, Parliament has validated these orders.
The Role of Parliament and the Power of Ordinances in French Legislation:-
Following the legislative elections held on June 19, 2022, it is highly likely that the Macron administration will employ this technique once again to pass legislation. The government’s strong majority in Parliament allows for streamlined decision-making, facilitating the use of ordinances as an efficient means of enacting reforms. By utilizing this approach, the Macron government can swiftly implement labor law changes without lengthy parliamentary debates, ensuring prompt action in line with their program.
