France’s 348 sénateurs operate from the grand hémicycle of the Palais du Luxembourg in Paris, but their influence reaches every village and town across the nation. These local delegates exist to keep the government in check whilst standing for the rights and needs of France’s smallest communities. For foreign residents, particularly those navigating post-Brexit changes, the French Sénat represents a crucial voice of protection in decisions that affect daily life.

France’s Bicameral System: Two Feet Supporting the Republic

Whilst the Députés of the Assemblée Nationale are voted in directly by the general public, sénateurs are elected by local officials in power within their constituencies for six-year terms. Half the Sénat‘s seats come up for election every three years, with recent Sénatoriales taking place in September 2023.

“We are also known as the Chambre des Territoires,” explains Corinne Imbert, sénatrice for Charente-Maritime since 2014. “The number of sénateurs by département depends on the number of residents they represent, but all of us are here to defend our territory and those who live there, even if they didn’t vote for us directly.”

Understanding the French Senate’s Constitutional Role

The Sénat forms an assembly of representatives from every political family who constitute the second Chambre of French Parliament. The Chambre Basse (Lower Chamber) refers to the Assemblée Nationale, whilst the Chambre Haute or Haute Assemblée designates the Sénat (Senate). The term bicamérisme describes this Parliament having two legislative bodies.

“I am very attached to bicamérisme,” says Serge Mérillou, Sénateur for Dordogne since 2020. “Often mocked and described as useless, the Sénat has shown in recent years its huge utility as a counter-power.” The Sénat isn’t anti-power but rather a mechanism allowing the State to question government decisions at any given time.

The Senate as Constitutional Guardian

“Our Republic stands on two feet,” says Corinne Imbert, “and both are important to preserve the stability of our institutions. If our Présidents chose their own government once elected, the constitution could be changed according to their whims. As it is, the Sénat protects the country in the case of extremist votes.” In fact, the Président cannot address the Sénat directly. If he wishes to speak to Parliament, he must summon both chambers in Congrès which meets at Versailles.

The Sénat regularly establishes commissions of inquiry to scrutinise how laws are applied in practice, with recent work focusing on public spending, energy policy, territorial healthcare access, and the resilience of local authorities.

Territorial Representation: The Senate’s Unique Mission

Whilst both Députés and Sénateurs share the mission of studying, amending and rewriting laws (as well as controlling government actions), the Sénat‘s role focuses on territorial concerns. It defends the interests of régions, départements and individual towns—what France calls collectivités territoriales.

Operating from their historic chamber in Paris, sénateurs research, defend, debate, legislate and control issues affecting their territories daily.

Protection for Foreign Residents: Brexit and Beyond

For foreign nationals who have settled in France, sénateurs can play a pivotal role in protecting rights for those without direct voting power in decisions affecting their daily lives. This proves increasingly important as the United Kingdom continues its post-Brexit relationship with the European Union.

“Sénateurs act as an echo chamber for rural France,” explains Philippe Mouiller, sénateur for Deux-Sèvres since 2014. “The Sénat deals with every aspect of daily life in its collectivités, and that includes problematic issues surrounding Brexit. We are keenly aware of the importance of our British residents, who often contribute considerably to our villages, and we are all vigilant to ensure they can continue to have a normal life here. There might be some administrative hurdles, but we are fighting for as peaceful a transition as possible.”

Active Advocacy for British Residents

A search on the Sénat‘s website (senat.fr) reveals this commitment towards British residents. Corinne Imbert submitted her own question to the Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires Étrangères concerning the status of British citizens who own secondary homes in France. The site lists many questions relating to post-Brexit rights, including an enquiry from Franck Montaugé, Sénateur for Gers, about the loss of municipal voting rights for British residents and whether future arrangements could be explored.

“I am keenly aware of how attached British residents are to our territory,” says Serge Mérillou. “Many of them have an active role in the economic or associative life of our towns and villages. There are still many grey areas around Brexit and its consequences, but I would like to reassure British people in the Périgord of my vigilance around this.”

An Independent Voice for Local Communities

The Sénat serves as the stabiliser protecting institutions and acting as the voice of local territories. It remains autonomous, free and independent – a counter to powers that be, without necessarily opposing them. Finding your local sénateur enables you to potentially influence laws regulating life in France whilst taking an active part in understanding how your community functions.

---