Politics at 10-11 years old is the challenge of the “Children’s Parliament”: CM2 schoolchildren write a bill that they will take to the Palais Bourbon. Illustration at the Grace-de-Dieu, in Caen, with an ambitious idea: organic food in public canteens reimbursed by Social Security.
The Children’s Parliament, a lesson in civic education
Through this experience, CM2 students discover the function of legislator. Pupils from 577 classes in mainland France and the DOM-TOMs write a bill at the end of a discussion which should teach them what democratic debate is.
A law proposal includes a maximum of 4 articles.
During their work, some classes are visited by their deputy, as here in Caen where Laurence Dumont comes to support the students of the Louis-Le Châtelier school in the Grace of God district, for the 3rd time. They will meet again in June, at the Bourbon Palace, under the golds of the Republic.
Report PM Puaud, Christophe Meunier, E-Desramé.
Organic in canteens: a parliamentary sea serpent
The pupils of Caen have chosen to make organic products compulsory in school, hospital or even prison canteens. By making the additional costs bear and by counting on an ecological conversion spread over 5 years…all financially supported by Social Security. “An ambitious project” says Laurence Dumont. And for good reason… this debate has been agitating the benches of the Assembly of Adults for a long time. Without much results… In 2007, during the Grenelle de l’Environnement, we aimed to introduce 20% organic products in canteens by 2012! Today, the share of organic in collective catering represents less than 3% of food purchases…
However, in 2016, a new bill proposed the introduction of 40% local products and 20% organic products in canteens by 2020. A law which was adopted by the deputies, but censured by the Constitutional Council for defect of form.
Then rebelote with a proposed law revised downwards and rather vague…
The aftermath of the Children’s Parliament
The winning bill may be taken up by the deputy of the constituency concerned, who deposits it in his personal name with the Bureau of the National Assembly. This text is then subject to a review procedure like any other bill.
Four bills from the Children’s Parliament have thus become laws of the Republic:
–law n° 96‑1238 of December 30, 1996relating to the maintenance of ties between brothers and sisters,
– Law No. 98-381 of May 14, 1998 allowing the orphan child to participate in the family council,
– Law No. 99-478 of June 9, 1999 aimed at encouraging respect for children’s rights throughout the world, particularly when purchasing school supplies,
– Law No. 2000‑197 of March 6, 2000 aimed at strengthening the role of schools in preventing and detecting acts of child abuse.
The 12th Children’s Parliament, which was held on June 11, 2005, ended with the adoption of a bill aimed at combating pollution caused by plastic bags by making the use of only biodegradable bags compulsory. . These provisions were included in article 47 of law n° 2006-11 of January 5, 2006 on agricultural orientation. ( Source: http://www.parlementdesenfants.fr/)
