Basque language will be a part of France's cultural heritage from Monday onwards when French legislators secured one of France's biggest constitutional changes in 50 years.

The reforms were among the main pledges of Sarkozy's 2007 election campaign and, together with Prime Minister Francois Fillon, he lobbied hard for a deal with the opposition Socialists and potential rebels in his own party.

But the outcome had been in doubt in the days running up to the vote by the two houses of parliament sitting in special joint session and the result was only one vote more than the three-fifths majority required.

Parliament has long wanted more power to balance the dominant role of the president, but the opposition Socialists and some UMP members say Sarkozy's proposed reforms do not go far enough and represent no significant gains for legislators.

Speaking during a visit to Ireland, Sarkozy hailed the vote, which he described as a victory for French democracy. "I'm delighted and I'm encouraged to continue, together with the government of Francois Fillon, the implementation of the essential reforms France needs to be an exemplary country in Europe," he told a news conference in Dublin.

The law sets a two-term limit for presidents, subjects certain presidential appointments to parliamentary approval and allows parliament to set half of its own agenda instead of the government deciding the entire programme. The president will be able to address parliament directly, a privilege he does not have now.

The reform will also enable France to approve the accession of new members into the European Union under certain conditions by parliamentary ratification instead of through a referendum.

Parliamentary approval would be needed for any military operation abroad lasting more than four months.

Source: EiTB24