Key Moments: Parliamentary Assertions of Power

1962: Assembly censures Pompidou government over constitutional referendum procedure, only successful censure in Fifth Republic history.

1984: Mass demonstrations force Socialist government to withdraw private school funding bill despite parliamentary majority.

1993: Constitutional Council strikes down significant portions of immigration law after parliamentary referral.

2006: Parliamentary opposition and street protests force withdrawal of youth employment contract (CPE) despite adoption using 49.3.

2019: National Assembly committee investigations into Benalla affair demonstrate oversight powers despite executive resistance.

2023: Pension reform via 49.3 triggers multiple censure motions, showing parliamentary opposition even without successful censure.