Paris (AFP)
Opposition groups in the Assembly decided Wednesday to boycott the debate on the reform of the Bourbon Palace, denouncing the "threat" to the democratic expression of parliamentarians that would involve limiting their speaking time.
"We have decided not to sit this afternoon", "the majority will be alone with itself," said Philippe Gosselin (LR) at a press conference in the presence of elected PS, PCF, LFI and UDI, only the Libertés et Territoires group not being represented. At the same time, the meeting resumed in a clear room under the chairmanship of Richard Ferrand (LREM), expressing "undefended" amendments.
"At this stage, the dialogue seems to be broken and the possibilities of getting along far away," added the deputy LR, deploring to arrive at "a phase that is not pleasant" and this "collective decision" to carry "the democratic voice".
"We will not sit until there is a compromise solution," said Mathilde Panot (LFI). "We are prevented from wearing the voice of the people," said André Chassaigne (PCF).
The PS group "will not associate with an approach of authority" led by the majority, also said David Habib (PS) while Michel Zumkeller (UDI-Agir) asked himself: "How can we make a Assembly rules when only the majority speaks about them? "
From the beginning of the discussions on Monday on this reform which intends to make the debates more "fluids and effective" and which was initially intended consensual, the oppositions had made common front, fearing a word "degraded" and a opposition "muzzled".
In the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, an article limiting the speeches during the general discussions set fire to the powders: it was adopted after a restless evening, without the presence of oppositions, who had left the hemicycle in protest.
? 2019 AFP