National Council Conseil national | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | |
| Type | |
| Leadership | |
President | |
Vice President | |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 24 |
 | |
Political groups | Majority (24):
|
| Elections | |
| Plurality block voting (16) Party-list proportional representation with a 5%electoral threshold (8) | |
Last election | 5 February 2023 |
| Meeting place | |
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| Monaco City | |
| Website | |
| www | |
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|---|
Legislative |
Elections |
TheNational Council (French:Conseil national;Monégasque:Cunsiyu naçiunale) is the unicameralparliament (legislative body) of thePrincipality of Monaco. Formed in 1911 after theMonégasque Revolution, the National Council initially had 12 members, increased to 18 in 1962 and 24 members since 2002, who are elected from lists byuniversal suffrage. The National Council is chaired by a president, who was initially appointed by the sovereign prince but has been elected by the National Council members since the year 1962. The current president of the National Council isThomas Brezzo.
TheMonégasque Revolution of 1910 was a series of confrontations by the subjects ofMonaco against their ruler,Prince Albert I.[1] On 28 March 1910, Prince Albert I agreed to hold elections by universal suffrage for a parliament.[2] This led to the end ofabsolute monarchy with the promulgation of theConstitution of Monaco on 7 January 1911.[3] Elections were held for 12 members, with Prince Albert I retaining the right to appoint parliament's president.[4] The inaugural meeting of the new parliament was on 3 May 1911.[2]
The constitution was overhauled in 1962, which gave the National Council more power (including to elect the president of the chamber) and increased its membership to 18. Further changes were made to the constitution in 2002, further increasing the responsibility of the National Council and increasing its membership to 24.[4]
The body is composed of twenty-four members, who are elected from lists byuniversal suffrage. Of those, 16 seats are assigned from a majority list and 8 seats are filled proportionally from lists that obtain more than 5% of the votes.[5] Councillors serve for five-year terms, and though it may act independently of thePrince when debating legislation or the State Budget, the Prince shares mutual power between himself and the National Council. He may dissolve it at any time, provided that newelections be held within three months.[citation needed] To be eligible to vote, people must be at least 25 years old and hold citizenship.[5]
The Council meets at least twice per year to vote on the country's budget and bills proposed by the prince's government. Ordinances (executive orders) are debated in theCouncil of Government, and once approved, must be submitted to the Prince within eighty days for his signature, which makes them legally enforceable. If he does not express opposition within ten days of submission, they become valid.[citation needed]
