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43-477: French city-dwellers traditionally escape to the seaside or the countryside during the summer, especially in August. Paris is avoided, as the weather is unpleasantly hot and humid, and the centre has many tourists. Nevertheless, each summer many residents are obliged to remain in the city, however reluctantly. The Paris-Plages scheme was instigated in 2002 by Bertrand Delanoë , the newly elected Socialist Party mayor, as

86-508: A Muslim immigrant, Azedine Berkane, who reportedly told police that "he hated politicians, the Socialist Party, and homosexuals." Before being taken to hospital, Delanoë ordered that the festivities continue. Delanoë's wound was not life-threatening and he left the hospital after about two weeks. Azedine Berkane was eventually permitted to leave the psychiatric hospital where he had been a patient after his doctors no longer considered him

129-688: A first under the Fifth Republic , marking "a form of strengthening of the Senate". Bicameralism was first introduced in France amid the French Revolution in 1795 ; as in many countries, it assigned the upper chamber with the role of moderating the lower, although for a long time as an ally of the executive . The present selection mode of the Senate dates back to the start of the Third Republic , when it

172-558: A haven for relieving the misery of those cooped up in the sweltering city. Initially there was a single beach on the Rive Droite . In 2006, a second beach was added on the Rive Gauche , and the scheme's name changed from singular to plural. Unlike many beaches in France, topless sunbathing is not permitted. Swimming in the Seine is also not permitted, for safety reasons. The scheme has proven

215-614: A higher income, capital and land possession compared to general voters. As an indirectly elected house, the Senate is often criticised by political parties such as La France Insoumise on the left and the National Rally on the right as not being sufficiently popularly representative. Although both La France Insoumise and the National Rally enjoy significant representation in the National Assembly, they are far less represented in

258-480: A major success; the number of visitors has grown each year and topped four million in 2007. Every season, new features are added. These include a shuttle ferry linking the two riverbanks, a floating swimming pool , and another beach area at La Villette , in the northeast corner of the city. The beaches were built free of charge by LafargeHolcim from 2002 to 2017, when the city of Paris discontinued their contract in retaliation for LafargeHolcim's proposal to build

301-511: A result of its election relying on what is often summed up as rural mayors, it has had a right-wing majority since 1958, with only a three-year exception in 2011–2014. The President of the Senate is to step in as acting President of France in case of an incapacitation or a vacancy, which last happened in 1974. The officeholder also appoints three members of the Constitutional Council . Since 2014, Gérard Larcher has been President of

344-463: A threat. However, in early April 2007, he failed to keep a scheduled appointment with his doctors. Paris police recaptured him on May 22. He was returned to the psychiatric facility and placed into a high-security unit. The failure to secure the 2012 Summer Olympics for Paris on 6 July 2005 was Delanoë's first major setback as mayor. In the aftermath of the defeat in his Olympic bid, he accused British prime minister Tony Blair of unduly influencing

387-517: Is limited. As was the case in the Fourth Republic's constitution, new cabinets do not have to receive a vote of confidence. Also, a vote of censure can occur only after 10 per cent of the members sign a petition; if rejected, those members that signed cannot sign another petition until that session of Parliament has ended. If the petition gets the required support, a vote of censure must gain an absolute majority of all members, not just those voting. If

430-697: Is the upper house of the French Parliament , with the lower house being the National Assembly , the two houses constituting the legislature of France . It is made up of 348 senators ( sénateurs and sénatrices ) elected by part of the country's local councillors in indirect elections . Senators have six-year terms, with half of the seats up for election every three years. They represent France's departments (328), overseas collectivities (8) and citizens abroad (12). Senators' mode of election varies upon their constituency's population size: in

473-507: The Government relies: in case of disagreement, the Assembly can in many cases have the last word, although the Senate keeps a role in some key procedures, such as constitutional amendments . However, following the 2024 snap legislative election and the ensuing political fragmentation in the Assembly, the newly-appointed Barnier government holds a majority in the Senate but not in the Assembly,

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516-561: The National Assembly . The left, led by the Socialist Party, gained control of the Senate for the first time since 1958 during the 2011 election , leading to the election of Jean-Pierre Bel at its presidency. This proved a short-lived win, as the right, led by the Union for a Popular Movement , regained the Senate three years later. The Senate has a larger share of citizens (especially of local descent, compared to non-citizens) among its voters compared to other institutions. Also, Senate voters have

559-570: The Presidential election in 2012 . However, this plan suffered a setback in November 2008 when he lost the race for the party leadership to Lille mayor Martine Aubry . On 22 December 2008, The New York Times published a letter attributed to Delanoë criticizing Caroline Kennedy 's candidacy for the United States Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton . The newspaper later admitted that

602-651: The University of Toulouse . According to Who's Who in France he has a diploma in economics. Delanoë has been involved in politics since the age of twenty-three as the secretary of the Socialist federation in Aveyron . He was first elected to the Council of Paris in 1977. In 1993, he became the head of the city's Socialist Party branch. In 1995, he was elected to the Senate , where he

645-448: The quality of life , reduce pollution, and cut down on vehicle traffic within the city (including a plan for a non-polluting tramway to ease Parisian traffic) and pedestrian malls . He helped introduce a program called Vélib' (a portmanteau of "vélo" and "libre" meaning " free bicycles ") which gave Parisians access to inexpensive rental bicycles available in stations all around Paris. The program has been enormously successful despite

688-466: The "Paris Beach" ( Paris-Plages ) on the banks of the Seine every summer in order to give Parisians who could not take a regular vacation a chance to relax, sunbathe and build sandcastles in the center of Paris. The program, especially popular with families with children, has been in place since 2002, and has since been copied by many other international cities. As mayor, Delanoë's goals were to improve

731-488: The Assembly and the Senate have politically distinct majorities, the Assembly will in most cases prevail; open conflict between the two houses is uncommon. As per article 24 of the Constitution, the Senate is the representative of the territories and defends the local elected officials. The Senate also serves to monitor the administration's actions by publishing many reports each year on various topics. Until September 2004,

774-468: The French Republic . Delanoë won the mayorship of Paris at the head of a coalition of Socialists , Greens and Communists , over the conservative candidates Jean Tiberi and Philippe Séguin , who were unable to resolve their differences and thereby split the conservative vote. This success in a city which had traditionally been a stronghold of the right until the end of the 20th century was made all

817-403: The National Assembly. However, 90% of the electors are delegates appointed by councillors. This system introduces a bias in the composition of the Senate favoring rural areas. As a consequence, while the political majority changes frequently in the National Assembly, the Senate has remained politically right, with one brief exception (2011–2014), since the foundation of the Fifth Republic , much to

860-404: The Senate had 321 members, each elected to serve for a nine-year term. In that month, the term was reduced to six years, while – to reflect a growth in the country's population – the number of senators was set to increase progressively, to reach 348 by 2011. Senators had been elected in thirds every three years; this was also changed to one half of their number every three years. The president of

903-613: The Senate is elected by senators from among their members. The current incumbent is Gérard Larcher . The President of the Senate is, under the Constitution of the Fifth Republic, first in the line of succession—in case of death, resignation or removal from office (only for health reasons)—to the presidency of the French Republic , becoming Acting President of the Republic until a new election can be held. This happened twice for Alain Poher —once at

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946-510: The Senate. The Senate is housed inside the Luxembourg Palace in the 6th arrondissement of Paris . Like the National Assembly, it is guarded by Republican Guards . In front of the building lies the Senate's garden, the renowned Jardin du Luxembourg , open to the public. France's first experience with an upper house was under the Directory from 1795 to 1799, when the Council of Ancients

989-404: The Senate. When the Senate and the National Assembly cannot agree on a bill, the administration can decide, after a procedure called commission mixte paritaire , to give the final decision to the National Assembly, whose majority is normally on the government's side, but as regarding the constitutional laws the administration must have the Senate's agreement. This does not happen frequently; usually

1032-503: The age of 11, Delanoë witnessed the crisis of Bizerte between France and newly independent Tunisia. Bertrand Delanoë moved back to France with his family following Tunisian independence ; after the military base in Bizerte was closed in 1963, Delanoë's family broke up. His mother came to live in Rodez , Aveyron with her son. After leaving school, Delanoë is said to have started studies in law at

1075-469: The control of the Senate; they retained their majority in 2017 . Under the Constitution of France , the Senate has nearly the same powers as the National Assembly . Bills may be submitted by the government ( projets de loi ) or by either house of Parliament ( propositions de loi ). Because both houses may amend the bill, it may take several readings to reach an agreement between the National Assembly and

1118-490: The displeasure of the Socialists . This has spurred controversy, especially after the 2008 election in which the Socialist Party, despite controlling all but two of France's regions , a majority of departments , as well as communes representing more than 50% of the population, still failed to achieve a majority in the Senate. The Senate has also been accused of being a "refuge" for politicians that have lost their seats in

1161-553: The effect that condom use was unhelpful or even counter-productive in the fight against AIDS. Ahead of the Socialist Party's 2012 convention in Toulouse , Delanoë endorsed Harlem Désir as candidate to succeed Aubry at the party's leadership. Delanoë was stabbed on 5 October 2002 during the Nuit Blanche , a night of festivities in Paris, while mingling with the public. His assailant was

1204-519: The fact that it still has a few logistical problems to be worked out. He outlined a plan for an autolib, whereby small cars would be shared. He was reelected in 2008 (57.7%) for a new six-year-term (2008–2014). Ahead of the Socialist Party's 2008 convention in Reims , Delanoë publicly endorsed Martine Aubry as candidate to succeed François Hollande at the party's leadership. In 2009, Delanoë criticized statements by Pope Benedict XVI , which were of

1247-614: The late French superstar entertainer, Dalida . National Assembly of France Member of the National Assembly for Paris (26th constituency): 1981–1986. Elected in 1981. Senate of France Member of the Senate for Paris: 1995–2001 (resignation). Council of Paris Mayor of Paris: Elected in 2001. Reelected in 2008. Councillor of Paris: Elected in 1977. Reelected in 1983, 1989, 1995, 2001, 2008. Senate (France) 48°50′54″N 2°20′14″E  /  48.84833°N 2.33722°E  / 48.84833; 2.33722 The Senate ( French : Sénat , [sena] )

1290-416: The less populated constituencies (one or two seats), they are elected individually, whereas in more populated ones (three seats or more), they are elected on lists. It is common for senators to hold dual mandates , such as in a regional council or departmental council . The Senate enjoys less prominence than the National Assembly, which is elected on direct universal ballot and upon the majority of which

1333-442: The letter, which had been sent by email, had not been properly verified, and was a fake. Delanoë was one of the first major French politicians to announce that he was gay, during a 1998 television interview (before being elected mayor). Although a long-time politician, Delanoë is visible at cultural affairs. He attends film festivals, and he is sometimes quoted in the media or appears on television to speak about his friendship with

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1376-627: The model of the British House of Lords . At first it contained hereditary peers, but following the July Revolution of 1830, it became a body whose members were appointed for life. The Second Republic returned to a unicameral system after 1848, but soon after the establishment of the Second Empire in 1852, a Senate was established as the upper chamber. In the Fourth Republic , the Senate

1419-464: The more striking by setbacks to the left in the 2001 municipal elections that occurred more generally. It has been partially attributed with the weariness of the Parisian public with respect to various scandals of corruption and graft in the preceding administrations. Delanoë was virtually unknown before the election of 2001, but soon gained fame for organising new and unusual events in Paris, such as

1462-460: The resignation of Charles de Gaulle and once at the death of Georges Pompidou . The President of the Senate also has the right to designate three of the nine members of the Constitutional Council , serving for nine years. Senators are elected indirectly by approximately 150,000 officials, known as the grands électeurs , including regional councillors, department councillors, mayors, municipal councillors in large communes, as well as members of

1505-583: The result in order to secure the games in London. However, Delanoë's popularity in fact rose during July 2005. The French public appeared to have laid more of the blame on President Jacques Chirac, who allegedly said that "the only worse food than British food is Finnish" which is widely believed to have offended two Finnish members of the International Olympic Committee . Delanoë was said to be considering challenging then-current president Sarkozy in

1548-408: The two houses eventually agree on the bill, or the administration decides to withdraw it. This power however gives the National Assembly a prominent role in the law-making process, especially since the administration is necessarily of the same side as the Assembly, for the Assembly can dismiss the administration through a motion of censure. The power to pass a vote of censure, or vote of no confidence,

1591-495: The wall on the Mexico–United States border promised by U.S. President Donald Trump . The name "Paris-Plage" was trademarked in 2002. In August 2006, the mayor's office sued the commune of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage for impinging on the trademark by using the phrase "Paris-Plage" in its tourism marketing. This was greeted with scepticism, since the commune's name dated from 1912, based on earlier popular usage. The case

1634-559: Was born 30 May 1950 in Tunis , at that time a protectorate of the French colonial empire , to a French mother and a French-Tunisian father. His father, a land surveyor , was atheist while his mother, a nurse, was Roman Catholic . At 6 years old, Delanoë became a member of the "Petits Chanteurs des Sables", a Christian choral group associated with the Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois . At

1677-515: Was dropped in 2008. [REDACTED] Media related to Paris Plages at Wikimedia Commons Bertrand Delano%C3%AB Bertrand Delanoë ( French: [bɛʁ.tʁɑ̃ də.la.nɔ.e] ; born 30 May 1950) is a French retired politician who served as Mayor of Paris from 2001 to 2014. A member of the Socialist Party (PS), he previously served in the National Assembly from 1981 to 1986 and Senate from 1995 until 2001. Delanoë

1720-406: Was replaced by the Council of the Republic , but its function was largely the same. With the new Constitution of the Fifth Republic which came into force on 4 October 1958, the older name of Senate was restored. In 2011 , the Socialist Party won control of the Senate for the first time since the foundation of the Fifth Republic. In 2014 , the centre-right Gaullists and their allies won back

1763-504: Was secretary of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. Delanoë became Mayor of Paris on 18 March 2001, when control of the Council of Paris was won by a left-wing alliance for the first time since 1977 (election with universal suffrage). His predecessors were Jean Tiberi (1995–2001) and Jacques Chirac (1977–1995), who resigned after 18 years as mayor when he was elected President of

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1806-656: Was the upper chamber. There were Senates in both the First and Second Empires (the former being known as the Sénat conservateur , the latter as the French Senate), but these were only nominally legislative bodies – technically they were not legislative, but rather advisory bodies on the model of the Roman Senate . With the Restoration in 1814, a new Chamber of Peers was created, on

1849-445: Was turned into what Léon Gambetta famously called a "grand council of the communes of France". Over time, it developed a sense of independence as a "guardian of the institutions" and "guardian of liberties", favoured by the fact that senators are on average older than deputies in the Assembly, joining the Senate in the later part of their career. Debates in the Senate tend to be less tense and generally receive less media coverage. As

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