The draft text submitted for examination at the congress envisages the modification of six articles of the Constitution to make room for the post of Vice-President of the Republic.
The constitutional amendment currently underway in Parliament targets articles 5, 6, 7, 10, 53, 66 and aims for institutional reforms with the creation of the post of Vice-President of the Republic. The explanatory memorandum of the text under examination at the congress indicates the method of appointment of the Vice-President, the term of office, his place in the succession in the event of a vacancy in the office of the President, as well as his privileges.
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Indeed, the Vice-President of the Republic can be appointed by the President of the Republic, who can also terminate his functions. His functions are those that the President of the Republic expressly delegates to him. His term of office cannot exceed that of the President of the Republic, which is seven years.
Within the framework of the succession to the presidency of the Republic in the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice-President will play a crucial role. He will complete the term of the President of the Republic, after taking the oath in the same forms and conditions as those of the President. Once he takes the oath, he proceeds to appoint a new Vice-President to assist him. In the event of the Vice-President’s incapacity or if the post is not filled, an election is organized to fill the post of President of the Republic.
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This change brings about an evolution by placing the President of the Senate in a secondary role in the event of a vacancy. The latter can only serve as interim in the event of the Vice-President’s incapacity or when the post is not filled. This departs from the current order which places the President of the Senate as the main figure responsible for ensuring the interim in the event of a vacancy in the office of the President of the Republic.
Furthermore, the Vice-President of the Republic is subject to the requirement of asset declaration imposed by Article 66 of the Constitution. He is answerable to the High Court of Justice; enjoys the privileges, advantages, and immunities that a law will determine. The introduction of the post of Vice-President also requires the modification of the Electoral Code as well as the law on the organization and functioning of the Constitutional Council.
