Gylian Parliament: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox legislature | {{Infobox legislature | ||
| name = Gylian Parliament | | name = Gylian Parliament | ||
| native_name = Parlement | | native_name = Parlement gylienne <small>({{wpl|French language|French}})</small> | ||
| native_name_lang = French | | native_name_lang = French | ||
| transcription_name = | | transcription_name = | ||
| legislature = | | legislature = 14th Parliament | ||
| coa_pic = | | coa_pic = | ||
| coa_caption = | | coa_caption = | ||
Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
| house_type = {{wpl|Bicameral}} | | house_type = {{wpl|Bicameral}} | ||
| body = | | body = | ||
| houses = [[Gylian Chamber of Deputies|Chamber of Deputies]] | | houses = {{plainlist| | ||
* [[Gylian Chamber of Deputies|Chamber of Deputies]] | |||
* [[Gylian Senate|Senate]] }} | |||
| term_limits = | | term_limits = | ||
| foundation = | | foundation = {{plainlist| | ||
| | * 28 April 1958 <small>(Popular Assembly)</small> | ||
| leader1 = | * 1 February 1962 <small>(Gylian Parliament)</small> }} | ||
| party1 = | | preceded_by = [[Free Territories (Gylias)#The General Council|General Council of the Free Territories]] | ||
| leader1_type = | |||
| leader2_type = | | leader1 = | ||
| leader2 = | | party1 = | ||
| party2 = | | leader2_type = | ||
| leader2 = | |||
| party2 = | |||
| seats = '''560'''<br>400 Deputies<br>160 Senators | |||
| house1 = [[Gylian Chamber of Deputies|Chamber of Deputies]] | |||
| structure1 = | |||
| seats = ''' | | structure1_res = | ||
| house1 = [[Gylian Chamber of Deputies|Chamber of Deputies | |||
| structure1 = | |||
| structure1_res = | |||
| structure1_alt = | | structure1_alt = | ||
| political_groups1 = | | political_groups1 = | ||
| house2 = [[Gylian Senate|Senate]] | |||
| structure2 = | |||
| structure2_res = | |||
| house2 = [[Gylian Senate|Senate | |||
| structure2 = | |||
| structure2_res = | |||
| structure2_alt = | | structure2_alt = | ||
| political_groups2 = | | political_groups2 = | ||
| committees1 = | | committees1 = | ||
| committees2 = | | committees2 = | ||
Line 57: | Line 47: | ||
| voting_system1 = {{wpl|Single transferable vote}} | | voting_system1 = {{wpl|Single transferable vote}} | ||
| voting_system2 = {{wpl|Sortition}} and appointment by the [[President of Gylias|President]] based on advice | | voting_system2 = {{wpl|Sortition}} and appointment by the [[President of Gylias|President]] based on advice | ||
| last_election1 = [[Gylian federal election, | | last_election1 = [[Gylian federal election, 2024|27–28 July 2024]] | ||
| last_election2 = | | last_election2 = | ||
| next_election1 = [[Gylian federal election, | | next_election1 = [[Gylian federal election, 2028|July or August 2028]] | ||
| next_election2 = | | next_election2 = | ||
| session_room = | | session_room = | ||
Line 72: | Line 62: | ||
{{Politics of Gylias}} | {{Politics of Gylias}} | ||
The '''Gylian Parliament''' ({{wpl|French language|French}}: ''Parlement | The '''Gylian Parliament''' ({{wpl|French language|French}}: ''Parlement gylienne'') is the {{wpl|bicameral}} {{wpl|federation|federal}} {{wpl|legislature}} of [[Gylias]]. It consists of the [[Gylian Chamber of Deputies|Chamber of Deputies]] (''Chambre des députés'') and [[Gylian Senate|Senate]] (''Senat''). Both assemblies meet in the Parliament Building in Mişeyáke, in separate chambers, and can meet jointly in certain circumstances. | ||
The [[Gylian Chamber of Deputies|Chamber of Deputies]] is the {{wpl|lower house}} and primary legislative body at the federal level. It elects members from {{wpl|electoral district|multi-member districts}} known as ''circonscriptions''. | |||
The [[Gylian Senate|Senate]] is the {{wpl|upper house}}. Previously elected from [[Gylian federal election, 1962|1962]] to [[Gylian federal election, 1995|1995]], its members are now chosen through {{wpl|sortition}} and appointment by the [[President of Gylias|President]]. | |||
Like all other legislatures in Gylias, the Parliament is a {{wpl|citizen legislature|popular legislature}}, whose mermbers serve part-time. | |||
The [[ | ==History== | ||
The Gylian Parliament was created during the transition from the [[Free Territories (Gylias)|Free Territories]] to Gylias. The {{wpl|indirect election|indirectly-elected}} [[Free Territories (Gylias)#The General Council|General Council of the Free Territories]], formed of delegates chosen from local [[Communal assemblies (Gylias)|communal assemblies]], was replaced with a {{wpl|direct election|directly-elected}} federal legislature, the Popular Assembly. | |||
The | The only Popular Assembly election took place in [[Gylian federal election, 1958|1958]], using national {{wpl|party-list proportional representation}}. The Assembly served a term of four years, overseeing the formalisation of the Free Territories' anarchist governance, including the passage of the [[Constitution of Gylias]] and [[Law of Gylias#Legal foundations|six codes of law]]. | ||
The [[Law on Electoral Representation of 1960]] reorganised the legislature. It became bicameral, and the voting system changed to {{wpl|single transferable vote}}. The [[Constitution of Gylias|Constitution]] renamed the Popular Assembly to the [[Gylian Chamber of Deputies|Chamber of Deputies]], while the new chamber was named the [[Gylian Senate|Senate]]. | |||
The first election for the Gylian Parliament took place in [[Gylian federal election, 1962|1962]]. The election ushered in the First Republic's political system, with five-party {{Wpl|electoral bloc}}s and {{G-NI}}. Parliament was made a {{wpl|citizen legislature|popular legislature}} to keep governance as direct as possible. Initially its {{Wpl|term of office}} was 7 years. | |||
The Gylian Parliament | |||
The two chambers evolved different identities. The Senate [[Political culture of Gylias#Participation|acknowledged the contributions of esteemed civil society and artistic figures]]. [[Dæse Şyna]] quipped it was a [[honoured citizens list|retirement home for respected political pensioners]]. | |||
Parliament's term was shortened to 5 years before the [[Gylian federal election, 1976|1976 election]]. The [[Gylian federal election, 1980|1980 election]] was held a year ahead of schedule. | |||
Its size was capped by the [[Law on Legislature Sizes of 1989]] to prevent it from growing to the point of usurping the prerogative of direct democracy. The Senate was reformed to be based on sortition and appointment in 1997. | |||
The term was fixed at 4 years starting with the [[Gylian federal election, 2000|2000 election]]. The current cycle allows [[Elections in Gylias#Federal elections|federal]] and [[Elections in Gylias#Regional elections|regional]] elections to be held two years apart. | |||
The Latte Revolution brought an electoral reform that further reduced Parliament's size. Electoral reform shaped the Second Republic's political system, as parties merged and electoral blocs consolidated. | |||
==Legislative functions== | ==Legislative functions== | ||
The Parliament represents the federal {{wpl|legislative branch}} of Gylias. | The Parliament represents the federal {{wpl|legislative branch}} of Gylias. It has limited responsibilities by law and the principle of {{wpl|subsidiarity}}. Since [[Communal assemblies (Gylias)|communal assemblies]] and [[Municipalities of Gylias|municipalities]] have the prerogative of self-governance, the Parliament's role is more {{wpl|deliberative democracy|deliberative}} and {{wpl|delegative democracy|delegative}}. | ||
It scrutinises, debates, and advances proposals. It gathers consensus from the public and all levels of government on matters of federal importance. | |||
Members of Parliament are subject to {{wpl|imperative mandate}}s and {{wpl|recall election|recall}} from their constituents. | Members of Parliament are subject to {{wpl|imperative mandate}}s and {{wpl|recall election|recall}} from their constituents. | ||
The | The Chamber of Deputies is the {{wpl|responsible house}}, and the only one where federal budget bills are introduced. | ||
{{wpl| | {{wpl|Bill (law)|Bills}} may be introduced by any member of either chamber (except budget bills) and there is no distinction between bills introduced by members of government or opposition parties. | ||
{{wpl| | === Sessions === | ||
Both chambers meet in regular sessions. There are usually 4 sessions in the year. Each lasts 3 weeks, and has between 2 and 5 sittings per week. | |||
* The spring session begins on the first Monday in March. | |||
* The summer session begins on the first Monday in June. | |||
* The autumn session begins on the first Monday in September. | |||
* The winter session begins on the first Monday in December. | |||
{{wpl|Extraordinary session}}s may be called for additional debates or to address special situations. | |||
===Legislative procedure=== | ===Legislative procedure=== | ||
Line 110: | Line 113: | ||
{{ordered list|type=decimal | {{ordered list|type=decimal | ||
|'''Proposal''': can be made by the people ( | |'''Proposal''': can be made by the people (through popular initiative), [[Local government in Gylias|municipal or regional councils]], deputies or senators, or cabinet ministers.{{ordered list|type=upper-alpha | ||
|The bill | |The bill is put to a general discussion, then referred to the relevant committee. | ||
|The committee | |The committee reports on the bill, with the advice of other committees. | ||
|The chamber | |The originating chamber votes to either request a further report or proceed to debate. (A vote to reject the bill ends the legislative process.) }} | ||
|'''Drafting''': takes place in parliamentary committees, with public hearings and consultations.{{ordered list|type=upper-alpha | |'''Drafting''': takes place in parliamentary committees, with public hearings and consultations.{{ordered list|type=upper-alpha | ||
|The bill is | |The bill is sent to the relevant committees for review and drafting. | ||
|The committees discuss, propose, and | |The committees discuss, propose, and write the final text. They consult members of the public and call expert witnesses for input. | ||
|The final draft | |The committees review the final draft and present it to Parliament. }} | ||
|'''Approval''': takes place in both chambers of Parliament.{{ordered list|type=upper-alpha | |'''Approval''': takes place in both chambers of Parliament.{{ordered list|type=upper-alpha | ||
|The Parliament debates and proposes further amendments to the bill. (It can also vote to refer the bill back to committees for further consideration | |The Parliament debates and proposes further amendments to the bill. (It can also vote to refer the bill back to committees for further consideration.) | ||
|The | |The [[Judiciary of Gylias#Constitutional Court of Gylias|Constitutional Court]] inspects the bill. | ||
|Once cleared by the Constitutional Court, the chamber | |Once cleared by the Constitutional Court, the originating chamber votes on the bill. | ||
|If the bill passes | |If the bill passes, the other chamber votes on the bill. | ||
|If the other chamber modifies the bill, it | |If the other chamber modifies the bill, it returns to the first chamber to approve the changes. | ||
| | |The Chamber of Deputies can overrule the Senate rejecting of a bill by majority vote. }} | ||
|'''Promulgation''': done by the [[President of Gylias]].{{ordered list|type=upper-alpha | |'''Promulgation''': done by the [[President of Gylias]].{{ordered list|type=upper-alpha | ||
|Once | |Once passed, the bill is sent to the President. | ||
|The President can reject a bill with a written justification, returning it to Parliament. ( | |The President can reject a bill with a written justification, returning it to Parliament. (The customary justification is being unconstitutional.) | ||
|If the bill is returned, Parliament debates it | |If the bill is returned, Parliament debates it again. | ||
|If the Parliament approves the bill without modifications, the President must sign it into law. }} | |If the Parliament approves the bill without modifications, the President must sign it into law. }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
After the President has promulgated it, a law is | After the President has promulgated it, a law is published in the ''Official Gazette'' and {{wpl|coming into force|commences}} after 15 days. | ||
===Responsibilities=== | ===Responsibilities=== | ||
Line 138: | Line 141: | ||
* Providing a forum for debating and discussing matters of public importance through popular petitions, {{wpl|Motion (parliamentary procedure)|motions}}, and bills. | * Providing a forum for debating and discussing matters of public importance through popular petitions, {{wpl|Motion (parliamentary procedure)|motions}}, and bills. | ||
* Debating | * Debating constitutional amendments. | ||
* Reviewing the actions of government, both policy and routine administration. | * Reviewing the actions of government, both policy and routine administration. | ||
* Approving federal budgets. | * Approving federal budgets. | ||
==Parliamentary procedure== | ==Parliamentary procedure== | ||
Both chambers | Both chambers have a presiding Speaker, chosen from the members at the beginning of term and renouncing party affiliation. Speakers maintain order during debates, determine the order in which members speak, make procedural rulings, and announce vote results. Speakers may not vote in a debate except in case of a tie, where they will {{wpl|Speaker Denison's rule|vote in favour of further debate or the status quo}}. | ||
Parliament does not have rules on {{wpl|unparliamentary language}}, giving it a more informal atmosphere compared to other state legislatures. Members cannot interrupt other members while they are speaking. Members can directly speak amongst themselves or address their remarks to the Speaker. They can refer to each other by full name, or as "Deputy" or "Senator" for short. | |||
Members cannot directly insult another member's family or non-parliamentary friends. Members of Parliament have no {{wpl|parliamentary immunity}}, but have {{wpl|parliamentary privilege}} for their statements. | |||
Each day of parliamentary session has 30 minutes reserved for {{wpl|Question Time}}, during which Deputies and Senators address questions to the [[Cabinet of Gylias|Cabinet]] and [[Prime Minister of Gylias|Prime Minister]]. The Prime Minister transfers questions they're not directly responsible for to the relevant cabinet members. | |||
Due to the [[List of political parties in Gylias|many parties represented]] and strict Speaker moderation, Gylian Question Time sessions are known for their lively but civilised atmosphere. Questions must be relevant to policy, even from members of government parties. Speakers disallow {{wpl|Dorothy Dixer|pre-arranged questions meant to criticise the opposition}}. | |||
Parliament meets collectively to assume office. After that, both chambers of Parliament meet and conduct their sessions separately. Joint meetings of both chambers take place to receive addresses from visiting heads of state or government. | |||
==Members== | ==Members== | ||
Members of Parliament serve part-time, | Members of Parliament serve part-time, by the {{wpl|citizen legislature|popular legislature}} principle. They are paid a salary equivalent to an {{wpl|average worker's wage}}. They must handle their own accommodation and transportation. | ||
Members of Parliament cannot consume | Members of Parliament cannot consume mind-altering substances while on duty. Parliamentary sessions adjourn for the day at 16:00. | ||
{{wpl|Proxy voting}} is used if a member | All votes in Parliament are made electronically. {{wpl|Proxy voting}} is used if a member cannot attend a vote in person. | ||
==Parliamentary groups== | ==Parliamentary groups== | ||
Parties and independents form {{wpl|parliamentary group}}s in the Chamber of Deputies, in order to simplify organisation and determine membership of committees and speaking order during debates. Groups also receive allowances to support their activities. | Parties and independents form {{wpl|parliamentary group}}s in the Chamber of Deputies, in order to simplify organisation and determine membership of committees and speaking order during debates. Groups also receive allowances to support their activities. | ||
The Second Republic has seen a consolidation of parties, the appearance of new {{wpl|electoral bloc}}s, and the decline of the [[Non-inscrits (Gylias)|non-inscrit]] group. | |||
The parliamentary groups | The current parliamentary groups are: | ||
{| Class="wikitable" | {| Class="wikitable" | ||
Line 172: | Line 177: | ||
!Constituent parties | !Constituent parties | ||
|- | |- | ||
|bgcolor=" | |bgcolor="#ED1B34"| | ||
|{{G-PA}} group | |{{G-PA}} group | ||
|{{G-DCP/meta/shortname}}, {{G-SP/meta/shortname}}, {{G-SDP | |{{G-DCP/meta/shortname}}, {{G-SP/meta/shortname}}, {{G-SDP/meta/shortname}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
|bgcolor=" | |bgcolor="#FFFA00"| | ||
|{{G-LU}} group | |{{G-LU}} group | ||
|{{G-NUP/meta/shortname}}, {{G-NLP/meta/shortname}}, {{G-PRRA | |{{G-NUP/meta/shortname}}, {{G-NLP/meta/shortname}}, {{G-PRRA/meta/shortname}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
|bgcolor=" | |bgcolor="#6F4E37"| | ||
| | |Ensemble group | ||
| | |MAD | ||
|- | |- | ||
|bgcolor=" | |bgcolor="#0087DC"| | ||
|{{G-NB}} group | |{{G-NB}} group | ||
| | |CNP, NPR, PDU | ||
|- | |||
|bgcolor="#0E0E10"| | |||
|Anarchist Forum group | |||
|FVU, {{G-LND/meta/shortname}}, {{G-LSDP/meta/shortname}}, {{G-PP-CM/meta/shortname}}, {{G-UI/meta/shortname}} | |||
|- | |- | ||
|bgcolor=" | |bgcolor="#20B2AA"| | ||
| | |City and Country Unity grup | ||
| | |FLP, PPFN, {{G-Pirates/meta/shortname}}, {{G-UM/meta/shortname}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
|colspan=2|{{G-NI}} group | | colspan="2" |{{G-NI}} group | ||
|{{G- | |{{G-ARENA/meta/shortname}}, {{G-GP/meta/shortname}}, {{G-IRAM/meta/shortname}}, {{Wpl|independent politician|Ind}} | ||
|} | |} | ||
===Committees=== | ===Committees=== | ||
Much of | Much of Parliament's work is done in committees. Committees examine policy and legislation, take evidence from witnesses, and conduct inquiries. They allow the public and experts to participate in the legislative process, and members to ask questions and review proposals. | ||
There are two types of committees. Permanent Committees | There are two types of committees. Permanent Committees scrutinise bills and topics referred to them by the chambers, examine the government's budget and activities, and provide guidance and research during the bill-drafting process. They form a significant contribution to {{wpl|grey literature}} published in Gylias, including {{wpl|white paper}}s and {{wpl|green paper}}s. Serving on or chairing a Permanent Committee is a prestigious position. | ||
The current Permanent Committees are: | The current Permanent Committees are: | ||
Line 241: | Line 246: | ||
{{Div col end}} | {{Div col end}} | ||
Temporary Committees are established to deal with particular issues, and work closely with Permanent Committees. Different Prime Ministers have established Temporary Committees | Temporary Committees are established to deal with particular issues, and work closely with Permanent Committees. Different Prime Ministers have established Temporary Committees reflecting their program. | ||
Parliament has no internal committees. Parliamentary affairs are handled by the Permanent Committee on Parliamentary Procedures and Matters. | |||
All parliamentary committees are joint committees, | All parliamentary committees are joint committees, with both Deputies and Senators. A committee has 20 members in total, half from each chamber, and half government and half opposition. Membership is determined by negotiation and consensus. | ||
==Broadcasting== | ==Broadcasting== | ||
Parliamentary proceedings | Parliamentary proceedings are broadcast by [[Gylian Television#GTV Parliament|GTV Parliament]]. The channel broadcasts only while Parliament is in session, and does not operate outside those times. | ||
GTV Parliament | |||
==List of Parliaments== | ==List of Parliaments== | ||
Line 296: | Line 299: | ||
|[[Gylian federal election, 2016|2016]] | |[[Gylian federal election, 2016|2016]] | ||
|12th Parliament | |12th Parliament | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[[Gylian federal election, 2020|2020]] | ||
|13th Parliament | |||
|- | |- | ||
|[[Gylian federal election, 2024|2024]] | |||
|14th Parliament | |||
| | |||
|} | |} | ||
Latest revision as of 13:16, 20 December 2024
Gylian Parliament Parlement gylienne (French) | |
---|---|
14th Parliament | |
Type | |
Type | |
Houses | |
History | |
Founded |
|
Preceded by | General Council of the Free Territories |
Structure | |
Seats | 560 400 Deputies 160 Senators |
Joint committees | 28 |
Elections | |
Single transferable vote | |
Sortition and appointment by the President based on advice | |
Chamber of Deputies last election | 27–28 July 2024 |
Chamber of Deputies next election | July or August 2028 |
Meeting place | |
Parliament Building, Mişeyáke, Mişeyáke | |
Website | |
http://www.parliament.gls/ |
This article is part of a series on the politics and government of Gylias |
---|
The Gylian Parliament (French: Parlement gylienne) is the bicameral federal legislature of Gylias. It consists of the Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des députés) and Senate (Senat). Both assemblies meet in the Parliament Building in Mişeyáke, in separate chambers, and can meet jointly in certain circumstances.
The Chamber of Deputies is the lower house and primary legislative body at the federal level. It elects members from multi-member districts known as circonscriptions.
The Senate is the upper house. Previously elected from 1962 to 1995, its members are now chosen through sortition and appointment by the President.
Like all other legislatures in Gylias, the Parliament is a popular legislature, whose mermbers serve part-time.
History
The Gylian Parliament was created during the transition from the Free Territories to Gylias. The indirectly-elected General Council of the Free Territories, formed of delegates chosen from local communal assemblies, was replaced with a directly-elected federal legislature, the Popular Assembly.
The only Popular Assembly election took place in 1958, using national party-list proportional representation. The Assembly served a term of four years, overseeing the formalisation of the Free Territories' anarchist governance, including the passage of the Constitution of Gylias and six codes of law.
The Law on Electoral Representation of 1960 reorganised the legislature. It became bicameral, and the voting system changed to single transferable vote. The Constitution renamed the Popular Assembly to the Chamber of Deputies, while the new chamber was named the Senate.
The first election for the Gylian Parliament took place in 1962. The election ushered in the First Republic's political system, with five-party electoral blocs and Non-inscrits. Parliament was made a popular legislature to keep governance as direct as possible. Initially its term of office was 7 years.
The two chambers evolved different identities. The Senate acknowledged the contributions of esteemed civil society and artistic figures. Dæse Şyna quipped it was a retirement home for respected political pensioners.
Parliament's term was shortened to 5 years before the 1976 election. The 1980 election was held a year ahead of schedule.
Its size was capped by the Law on Legislature Sizes of 1989 to prevent it from growing to the point of usurping the prerogative of direct democracy. The Senate was reformed to be based on sortition and appointment in 1997.
The term was fixed at 4 years starting with the 2000 election. The current cycle allows federal and regional elections to be held two years apart.
The Latte Revolution brought an electoral reform that further reduced Parliament's size. Electoral reform shaped the Second Republic's political system, as parties merged and electoral blocs consolidated.
Legislative functions
The Parliament represents the federal legislative branch of Gylias. It has limited responsibilities by law and the principle of subsidiarity. Since communal assemblies and municipalities have the prerogative of self-governance, the Parliament's role is more deliberative and delegative.
It scrutinises, debates, and advances proposals. It gathers consensus from the public and all levels of government on matters of federal importance.
Members of Parliament are subject to imperative mandates and recall from their constituents.
The Chamber of Deputies is the responsible house, and the only one where federal budget bills are introduced.
Bills may be introduced by any member of either chamber (except budget bills) and there is no distinction between bills introduced by members of government or opposition parties.
Sessions
Both chambers meet in regular sessions. There are usually 4 sessions in the year. Each lasts 3 weeks, and has between 2 and 5 sittings per week.
- The spring session begins on the first Monday in March.
- The summer session begins on the first Monday in June.
- The autumn session begins on the first Monday in September.
- The winter session begins on the first Monday in December.
Extraordinary sessions may be called for additional debates or to address special situations.
Legislative procedure
The Parliament's legislative procedure has four stages:
- Proposal: can be made by the people (through popular initiative), municipal or regional councils, deputies or senators, or cabinet ministers.
- The bill is put to a general discussion, then referred to the relevant committee.
- The committee reports on the bill, with the advice of other committees.
- The originating chamber votes to either request a further report or proceed to debate. (A vote to reject the bill ends the legislative process.)
- Drafting: takes place in parliamentary committees, with public hearings and consultations.
- The bill is sent to the relevant committees for review and drafting.
- The committees discuss, propose, and write the final text. They consult members of the public and call expert witnesses for input.
- The committees review the final draft and present it to Parliament.
- Approval: takes place in both chambers of Parliament.
- The Parliament debates and proposes further amendments to the bill. (It can also vote to refer the bill back to committees for further consideration.)
- The Constitutional Court inspects the bill.
- Once cleared by the Constitutional Court, the originating chamber votes on the bill.
- If the bill passes, the other chamber votes on the bill.
- If the other chamber modifies the bill, it returns to the first chamber to approve the changes.
- The Chamber of Deputies can overrule the Senate rejecting of a bill by majority vote.
- Promulgation: done by the President of Gylias.
- Once passed, the bill is sent to the President.
- The President can reject a bill with a written justification, returning it to Parliament. (The customary justification is being unconstitutional.)
- If the bill is returned, Parliament debates it again.
- If the Parliament approves the bill without modifications, the President must sign it into law.
After the President has promulgated it, a law is published in the Official Gazette and commences after 15 days.
Responsibilities
Other responsibilities of the Parliament include:
- Providing a forum for debating and discussing matters of public importance through popular petitions, motions, and bills.
- Debating constitutional amendments.
- Reviewing the actions of government, both policy and routine administration.
- Approving federal budgets.
Parliamentary procedure
Both chambers have a presiding Speaker, chosen from the members at the beginning of term and renouncing party affiliation. Speakers maintain order during debates, determine the order in which members speak, make procedural rulings, and announce vote results. Speakers may not vote in a debate except in case of a tie, where they will vote in favour of further debate or the status quo.
Parliament does not have rules on unparliamentary language, giving it a more informal atmosphere compared to other state legislatures. Members cannot interrupt other members while they are speaking. Members can directly speak amongst themselves or address their remarks to the Speaker. They can refer to each other by full name, or as "Deputy" or "Senator" for short.
Members cannot directly insult another member's family or non-parliamentary friends. Members of Parliament have no parliamentary immunity, but have parliamentary privilege for their statements.
Each day of parliamentary session has 30 minutes reserved for Question Time, during which Deputies and Senators address questions to the Cabinet and Prime Minister. The Prime Minister transfers questions they're not directly responsible for to the relevant cabinet members.
Due to the many parties represented and strict Speaker moderation, Gylian Question Time sessions are known for their lively but civilised atmosphere. Questions must be relevant to policy, even from members of government parties. Speakers disallow pre-arranged questions meant to criticise the opposition.
Parliament meets collectively to assume office. After that, both chambers of Parliament meet and conduct their sessions separately. Joint meetings of both chambers take place to receive addresses from visiting heads of state or government.
Members
Members of Parliament serve part-time, by the popular legislature principle. They are paid a salary equivalent to an average worker's wage. They must handle their own accommodation and transportation.
Members of Parliament cannot consume mind-altering substances while on duty. Parliamentary sessions adjourn for the day at 16:00.
All votes in Parliament are made electronically. Proxy voting is used if a member cannot attend a vote in person.
Parliamentary groups
Parties and independents form parliamentary groups in the Chamber of Deputies, in order to simplify organisation and determine membership of committees and speaking order during debates. Groups also receive allowances to support their activities.
The Second Republic has seen a consolidation of parties, the appearance of new electoral blocs, and the decline of the non-inscrit group.
The current parliamentary groups are:
Group | Constituent parties | |
---|---|---|
Progressive Alliance group | DCP, SP, SDP | |
Liberal Union group | NUP, NLP, PRRA | |
Ensemble group | MAD | |
National Bloc group | CNP, NPR, PDU | |
Anarchist Forum group | FVU, LND, LSDP, PP-CM, UI | |
City and Country Unity grup | FLP, PPFN, Pirates, UM | |
Non-inscrits group | ARENA, GP, IRAM, Ind |
Committees
Much of Parliament's work is done in committees. Committees examine policy and legislation, take evidence from witnesses, and conduct inquiries. They allow the public and experts to participate in the legislative process, and members to ask questions and review proposals.
There are two types of committees. Permanent Committees scrutinise bills and topics referred to them by the chambers, examine the government's budget and activities, and provide guidance and research during the bill-drafting process. They form a significant contribution to grey literature published in Gylias, including white papers and green papers. Serving on or chairing a Permanent Committee is a prestigious position.
The current Permanent Committees are:
- Civil, Political, Economic, and Social Liberties
- Community Affairs
- Constitutional Affairs and Public Administration
- Culture, Arts and Leisure
- Defense
- Education and Learning
- Equality and Social Integration
- Economy and Finance
- Environment and Resources
- Federal and Regional Coordination
- Foreign Relations
- Justice and Human Rights
- Health and Wellbeing
- Intelligence and Security
- Labour
- Law Enforcement and Public Safety
- Local Government
- Natural Resources
- Parliamentary Procedures and Matters
- Planning and Development
- Public Accounts
- Public Standards and Integrity
- Public Petitions
- Publications and Parliamentary Library
- Science and Technology
- Social Policy
- Trade
- Transport and Infrastructure
Temporary Committees are established to deal with particular issues, and work closely with Permanent Committees. Different Prime Ministers have established Temporary Committees reflecting their program.
Parliament has no internal committees. Parliamentary affairs are handled by the Permanent Committee on Parliamentary Procedures and Matters.
All parliamentary committees are joint committees, with both Deputies and Senators. A committee has 20 members in total, half from each chamber, and half government and half opposition. Membership is determined by negotiation and consensus.
Broadcasting
Parliamentary proceedings are broadcast by GTV Parliament. The channel broadcasts only while Parliament is in session, and does not operate outside those times.
List of Parliaments
Election | Parliament |
---|---|
1958 | Popular Assembly |
1962 | 1st Parliament |
1969 | 2nd Parliament |
1976 | 3rd Parliament |
1980 | 4th Parliament |
1985 | 5th Parliament |
1990 | 6th Parliament |
1995 | 7th Parliament |
2000 | 8th Parliament |
2004 | 9th Parliament |
2008 | 10th Parliament |
2012 | 11th Parliament |
2016 | 12th Parliament |
2020 | 13th Parliament |
2024 | 14th Parliament |