Anglophone Training Cycle on Parliamentary Work
Session from Monday, November 4 to Friday, November 15, 2024
From Monday, November 4 to Friday, November 15, 2024, the Senate and the National Assembly organized an anglophone training cycle on parliamentary work. Created in 2009, alongside the francophone program established in 1992, this cycle takes place every two years with the support of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Since its inception, it has hosted approximately 150 parliamentarians and parliamentary staff from 25 different countries.
The 2024 edition of the program welcomed 23 participants from 16 countries (Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Croatia, Egypt, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Liberia, North Macedonia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nigeria, and the Czech Republic).
Around 30 training sessions, alternately held at the Senate and the National Assembly, introduced the participants to the French parliamentary system while facilitating the exchange of best practices from their respective countries.
Focusing on the legislative process, from drafting to evaluation, participants attended diverse presentations on bicameralism, parliamentary initiatives, setting the agenda, public debates, legislative shuttles, and the promotion of parliamentary work through institutional communication.
Two off-site sessions were also organized at the Council of State and the Constitutional Council, allowing participants to gain insights into the missions of these institutions, which also play a role in the legislative process.
As with the francophone sessions, the training aimed to be operational and practical, putting participants into working groups for workshops. Three topics were addressed: drafting a bill and amendments, written and oral questions as well as questions to the Government, and the rights of the opposition. These workshops culminated in a final presentation during the closing session.
Finally, the participants took part in a mock public session at the Senate, focusing on examining a resolution under Article 34-1 of the Constitution on topics such as regulating social media and banning pesticides in agriculture. This simulation allowed them to step into the role of a parliamentarian and engage in their legislative duties.
At the end of the training, participants received a certificate of completion issued by the Senate and the National Assembly.
Matthieu LEBOURGEOIS – Tel.: +33 1 42 34 43 57 – Email: m.lebourgeois@senat.fr
Charlotte FAYE – Tel.: +33 1 42 34 23 12 – Email: c.faye@senat.fr