A distinct second reading

Understand the proposal.

A Senate of 33 members: 22 territorial, six civic and five diaspora representatives. It neither appoints nor dismisses the Government. The model provides a suspensive veto over ordinary legislation and stronger powers within an expressly defined sphere of fundamental matters, with procedures for resolving disagreements. The Assembly retains control of confidence in the Government and primacy over ordinary legislation.

The question it must answer.

Does a second chamber protect or obstruct?

An additional chamber may reproduce partisan balances, multiply costs or give obstructive power to representatives whose legitimacy is less direct.

The author’s contribution to the reform debate. These proposals are neither current law nor an official position of the CRC. The complete official versions submitted to the Commission remain withheld pending its deliberation.