"
From the first day, the case seemed badly embarked
", underlines the journalist Christine Clerc in
Le Figaro
on September 25, 2000. The day before, the referendum on the five-year term has certainly obtained more than 73% of "yes" but the consultation has especially shone by a record abstention.
Nearly 70% of the French did not take "
the 10 minutes necessary
" to go to vote despite urgent calls from President Jacques Chirac.
The reason ?
“
The impetus from above, the deep conviction was lacking.
"
The reduction of the presidential term from seven to five years was an old sea serpent. The seven-year term had been in place for 123 years then.
Decided by the law of November 20, 1873, it is the result of a compromise obtained in the National Assembly with a monarchist majority, pending the resolution of the dissensions between the Orleanists and the Legitimists.
Marshal Mac Mahon was then installed as President of the Republic for a term of seven years, subsequently confirmed by constitutional laws
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