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Sarkozy 's Reform Bill Passes By a Hair
Move to rewrite French constitution has critics crying 'monocracy!'
By Katherine Thompson
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Posted Jul 22, 08 9:25 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed the passing yesterday of a constitutional reform, fulfilling a key campaign pledge. The overhaul of parliamentary and executive powers passed in the assembly and senate by a single vote, capturing 539 votes when it needed 538, the BBC reports. The opposition says the change will solidify France as a "monocracy" for Sarkozy.
The reforms allow parliament to set half its agenda and veto presidential appointments, and limit presidents to two 5-year terms. "It is French democracy that has won," Sarkozy said from Dublin, where he was meeting with leaders to discuss the Lisbon Treaty. "The camp of movement, change, modernity has won over the camp of immobility, of rigidity, of sectarianism."