Senatorial Election 101
Is the French Senate a retirement club for old politicians?
Senate members, 348 in number to be precise, how they enter the chamber the so called Upper House . And Who are these 162,000 Big voters that have privilege of electing senators on behalf of all French citizens..
Source : France 24
Le Sènat
The French Parliament is made up of two chambers, the National Assembly and the Senate. Members of the two Houses are chosen by two different electoral systems. This ensures that all the diverse components of French society are represented as fairly as possible.
Examination of bills by both Houses of Parliament makes for better laws and the well proven experience of the Senators improves their content.
The Speaker of the Senate ensures the stability of France’s institutions as he is called upon to replace the President of the Republic in the event of his death or resignation.
Even in France few people have an in depth knowledge of how the Senate works as only local electoral office holders and members of the Assembly of French Citizens Resident Abroad elect the senators. That is to say the 348 Senators are elected by part of the country's local councillors, as well as by representatives of French citizens living abroad.
Discover this full fledged parliamentary assembly : its
purpose, its
organisation and the place where it sits, the
Luxembourg Palace .
The 348
senators are assisted by specialised
civil servants and parliamentary aides. In all, 2000 people work here.
Source :
Senat.fr Un site au service des citoyens