Article 49 of The French Constitution - Commitment of Responsibility On A Bill (49.3)

Commitment of Responsibility On A Bill (49.3)

The clause 3 allows the government to impose the adoption of a text by the assembly, immediately and without a vote, that the assembly cannot oppose without toppling the government through a motion of no confidence (clause 2). This is one of the most known clauses of the Constitution, often cited as a mere number, "article 49.3" or even "the forty-nine three". This clause reveals a reversal of the relationship between governments and parliaments in the 20th century in favor of the former: the executive power is no longer subordinated to the legislative one and must be able to adopt laws in accordance to its policy. Various solutions have been implemented to ensure the ability of the government to pass laws. With article 49.3, the governments of the Fifth Republic are stronger than ever. The article allows the government to compel the majority if reluctant to adopt a text, and also to accelerate the legislative process, and in particular to end any obstruction from the opposition.