National Assembly: four cases reviewed and resolved by the deputies

The first significant decision concerns the amendment of the organic law on the Economic and Social Council (CES). This reform introduces a notable restructuring of the Beninese institutional landscape by now incorporating the missions of the Ombudsman of the Republic within the CES itself. These new responsibilities will be placed under the direct authority of the first vice president of the institution, while the current administration of the Council remains unchanged.

In the same vein, the assembly validated a revision of the law creating the national orders of Benin. This text pursues a dual objective, both economic and corporatist: it aims, on one hand, to reduce the manufacturing costs of honorary distinctions, and on the other hand, to promote better harmonization among the various branches of national craftsmanship.

The parliamentary debate also took a highly political turn with the adoption of a bill amending the Electoral Code. This major reform leads to the temporary abolition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENA). This suspension of the electoral body is part of the anticipation of establishing a completely new institutional architecture, the precise modalities of which will be determined later by a decree in the Council of Ministers.

Finally, the plenary session concluded on the cultural and financial front. The deputies officially authorized the ratification of the credit agreement concluded between Benin and the French Development Agency (AFD). This financing agreement will enable the concrete launch of the project for the construction of the Contemporary Art Museum of Cotonou.