Under the Vichy regime, Parliament was not consulted.
It is generally accepted that laws are enacted by the French government, while ordinances are issued by the German Occupation authorities.
For example:
- The law of October 3, 1940, “on the status of Jews,” defined the “Jewish race” as defined by the Vichy regime and listed the professions prohibited to Jews.
Note: This is, in fact, a decree-law, a legally binding act issued by Marshal Pétain.
- The law of June 2, 1941, enacted by the Vichy regime and governing the status of Jews, replaced the “law” of October 4, 1940.
However, in the absence of a parliament, the term “law” is misused by the Pétainist government.
- On October 18, 1940, a (German) decree placed businesses and property belonging to Jews under sequestration.
