The Economic, Social and Environmental Council
Symbole

The Economic, Social and Environmental Council

Symbole

The Economic, Social, and Environmental Council was established by Act No. 2012-16 of September 28, 2012 amending the Constitution. Organic Law No 2012-28 of December 28, 2012 set out its organization and working principles.

The Economic, Social, and Environmental Council is Senegal’s second-highest Constitutional Assembly. It is, for the public authorities, a consultative assembly that may be referred to by the President of the Republic, the National Assembly, or the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government for opinions or research.

Made up of individuals from the nation’s vital forces, the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council is a place of collaboration and participation on the part of socio-professional groups in building the Nation’s economic, social, and environmental policy. It monitors progress in economic, social, and environmental matters, and suggests necessary adjustments. It promotes political dialogue and cooperation between local authorities and similar foreign entities.

It may decide to review economic, social, and financial issues, conduct, for this purpose, any studies and investigation required, and propose views and suggestions for reform which it deems conducive to the economic, social, and environmental development of the nation.

Matters submitted to the Council for its opinion by the President of the Republic may include:

  • as a mandatory step, draft programming or planning laws relating to economic, social, or environmental matters.

  • as an optional step, draft programming laws setting out multiannual guidelines on public finance, draft laws, orders, and decrees as well as parliamentary draft laws falling within its sphere of competence.

The ESEC may also be called upon on by the President of the Republic, the Speaker of the National Assembly, or the Prime Minister for advice or studies.

It may, on its own initiative, attract the attention of the Government or the National Assembly on reforms deemed necessary, and contribute to the assessment of public policies related to economic, social, or environmental issues.

Lastly, citizens may refer to the CESE, through a petition with at least 5,000 signatures, on any economic, social, and environmental matter.