11 Facts About French Senate

The French Senate is made up of 348 senators elected by part of the country's local councillors, as well as by representatives of French citizens living abroad.

Senate enjoys less prominence than the first, or lower house, the National Assembly, which is elected on direct universal ballot and upon the majority of which the Government has to rely: in case of disagreement, the Assembly can in many cases have the last word, although the Senate keeps a role in some key procedures, such as constitutional amendments and most importantly legislation about itself.

Debates in the French Senate tend to be less tense and generally receive less media coverage.

President of the French Senate is to step in as Acting President of France in case of an incapacitation or a vacancy, which last happened in 1974.

The French Senate is housed inside the Luxembourg Palace in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.

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Under the Constitution of France, the French Senate has nearly the same powers as the National Assembly.

French Senate serves to monitor the administration's actions by publishing many reports each year on various topics.

Until September 2004, the French Senate had 321 members, each elected to serve for a nine-year term.

The President of the Senate is, under the Constitution of the Fifth Republic, first in the line of succession—in case of death, resignation or removal from office —to the presidency of the French Republic, becoming Acting President of the Republic until a new election can be held.

President of the French Senate has the right to designate three of the nine members of the Constitutional Council, serving for nine years.

The French Senate has been accused of being a "refuge" for politicians that have lost their seats in the National Assembly.