Article

2005-01-16 Europe

Didn't Pinochet try something like this?

Supporters of French President Jacques Chirac are pushing for a constitutional change that would make him a senator-for-life after he leaves office and thus shield him from the threat of future legal proceedings, newspapers reported Friday.

It's not gonna help him when the tumbrels come out...

The proposed measure would mean that all former presidents become automatic members of the upper house of parliament - instead of joining the constitutional council, France's highest judicial authority, which they do under the existing arrangement. Chirac, 72, cannot be prosecuted as long as he remains president, but when he steps down he risks being placed under judicial investigation in connection with a series of party-finance scams during his 18-year tenure as mayor of Paris. By becoming a life senator, the conservative president would enjoy parliamentary immunity which would make it extremely difficult - though not impossible - to bring him before the courts, the left-leaning Liberation and Le Monde newspapers said. The risk of being made to face trial after he loses his presidential immunity is believed to be a major factor in Chirac's deliberations over whether to stand for an unprecedented third term in 2007. So far he has assiduously kept the possibility open.

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The new proposal, which would require a change to the countryâs 1958 constitution, is being promoted by senator Patrice Gelard - a leading Chirac supporter - and will be formally tabled in the Senate next Tuesday, Le Monde said. But both papers agreed that its chances of success were small, as any constitutional change would have to confirmed by referendum. Gelard told Liberation that the measure is primarily aimed at another former president - Valery Giscard DâEstaing - who is frustrated by the rules of strict neutrality that he is obliged to observe as a member of the constitutional council and wants greater fredom to speak out. "Itâs not a question of any particular individual. But it seems to me incongruous that a former president such as Giscard should be forced to submit to a rule of non-interference in public debate," he said.

Posted by Dan Darling 2005-01-16 5:15:46 PM|| || Front Page|| [11133 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 That the French Parliament has immunity is absurd. That Chirac needs it is delicious.

Posted by .com 2005-01-16 3:27:18 AM|| 2005-01-16 3:27:18 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 But you've got to admit the French do tin pot dictatorship with a panache you'd never find in the Third World.

Posted by Bulldog 2005-01-16 8:23:56 AM|| 2005-01-16 8:23:56 AM|| Front Page Top

#3 Yes, the former colonies learned it from the best.

Posted by Tom 2005-01-16 10:39:29 AM|| 2005-01-16 10:39:29 AM|| Front Page Top

#4 But, Pinochet thought he had the same deal before giving up power. While human rights advocates rejoice that they deep sixed that set up, they have set the future where the thugs will go out fighting taking even more with them rather than just wait around for someone to abrogate their immunity. The assumption here is that no one can be worse than Chirac in the future. Hammering him soon enough may teach the follow on who could be worse to corrupt the system beyond recovery. Its not like there are no other 'Chirac' lined up to take the job in France. I can see a great population of them. Rather rule in hell, than serve in heaven - seems to be the new national motto.
Just be careful what you wish for, you may get it. [insert smiley here]

Posted by Don 2005-01-16 11:35:52 AM|| 2005-01-16 11:35:52 AM|| Front Page Top

#5 Probably a helluva lot better title then "convict".

Posted by tu3031 2005-01-16 3:06:42 PM|| 2005-01-16 3:06:42 PM|| Front Page Top

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