In 1791, Robespierre banned French lawmakers from running for reelection
In a bold move to prevent political corruption during the French Revolution, Maximilien Robespierre convinced the National Assembly to ban themselves from seeking reelection.
On May 15, 1791, Maximilien Robespierre proposed the 'Self-denying Ordinance' to the French National Assembly. This law prohibited any member of the current legislature from serving in the next one, a move Robespierre argued would prevent the rise of a permanent political class and ensure fresh democratic representation.
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