Senegalese MPs move to clip presidential powers as tensions mount
Summary
Senegal's parliament passed a constitutional reform that reduces the president’s powers and increases those of lawmakers, causing protests outside the parliament. The government plans to hold a national vote on the changes, but no date has been set yet.Key Facts
- The reforms give parliament more power to investigate and require the government to share natural resource agreements with lawmakers.
- A new Constitutional Court with nine members will replace the current Constitutional Council of seven members.
- The reforms stop a sitting president from leading a political party, affecting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is no longer an official party leader but remains a member.
- Presidents would be barred from approving certain laws between an election and the inauguration of their successor.
- The ruling Pastef party, controlling most seats in the National Assembly, supports the reforms to balance government powers.
- Opposition parties and civil groups say the changes are motivated by political revenge against President Faye.
- Protests occurred with police using tear gas to clear demonstrators outside parliament during debates.
- President Faye intends to hold a referendum on the reforms, but the parliamentary speaker questions the president’s authority to do so.
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