Editorial: Le Monde

• The Constitutional Council, conceived in 1958 to protect the executive from parliament's encroachments, now plays a crucial role as a protector of rights and freedoms.
• By a single vote, Richard Ferrand, proposed by Emmanuel Macron, was confirmed as President of the Constitutional Council, which weakens the president, given his current level of unpopularity.
• Ferrand's independence and competence are questioned, his candidacy was on the brink of being blocked.
• Last-minute confirmation keeps Ferrand in post due to abstentions from members of the Rassemblement National.
• There is concern of far-right influence on future decisions of the Constitutional Council.
• Ferrand's confirmation is marred by suspicion and political maneuvering.
• Troubles in Ferrand's election support the need for reform in the appointment mode of the members of the Constitutional Council.

Conclusion: The recent process underscores the need to maintain the independence of the Constitutional Council, while protecting the integrity of its nomination procedures to ensure France's democratic health.

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