5.3.2. The Senate

In contrast to the National Assembly, the Senate cannot be dissolved. The fact that Senate is a permanent body plays an important role in accounting for the stability of the Government when the post of the French Republic’s President falls vacant. Owing to above, it’s the President

of the Senate who is appointed the President of French Republic if the latter is prevented from doing so, if he falls ill or resigns. Thus, a case of power vacuum is prevented, in case the President’s office falls vacant.

This interim is limited to the time needed to organize a presidential election (in practice, it lasts around 50 days).