2024-12-12 16:00:00
FRANCE.TV – THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER – ON DEMAND – DOCUMENTARY
How did we get there? how did Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of the dissolution of the National Assembly come about on 9 June 2024,which led to legislative elections that ended,on 7 July,in a Hemicycle without an absolute majority? When,in September 2023,Emilie Lançon,reporter and director (ENA,why so much hatein 2021),decided to follow the first president of the National Assembly,Yaël Braun-Pivet (elected in 2022,re-elected on 18 July 2024),could not imagine that this unprecedented chain reaction would lead to the censure of the Barnier Government.
For a year the journalist snuck into the corridors and attended the debates, in particular those that were held at the time on the use of 49.3 and the “immigration” law. Above all, he followed in the president’s footsteps in his multiple meetings, conducted with the constant belief that a compromise is absolutely possible.
The announced intention is then to show public opinion that, behind the overly publicized invectives – almost absent here – the French deputies are working in a constructive way. As proof of this, 141 laws were passed between 2022 and 2024. Unintentionally, tho, the film also shows the inevitability of the dissolution in June, or even the fall of the government on December 5th.
The right to abortion in the Constitution
Certainly Yaël Braun-Pivet has been able to innovate, in particular by establishing monthly meetings with the presidents of the groups and creating “transpartisan work”, at the origin of eight laws approved – including the one on the ban on puffs (disposable electronic cigarettes), followed in detail in the film. Certainly Parliament’s inclusion of the right to abortion in the Constitution is experienced as one “enchanted parenthesis”.
Though, during one of the meetings to try to renew the dialog, the president of the socialist group, Boris Vallaud, intervened: «everything is distracting, but the Fifth Republic does not work with a relative majority. Let’s try to start a car with a wrench.If we can improve things, so much the better. But it doesn’t work. » The documentary could have ended there. But the debates on the “immigration” law will confirm his statements and will allow the citizen to identify the issues of a rejection motion or the role of the Constitutional Council. mariama Darame, journalist at World and whoever speaks here deciphers: “What he likes is to put Gérald Darmanin in danger”, then Minister of the Interior.
Until the end, even after her re-election to the parliament on 18 July, Yaël Braun-Pivet sees in this new Hemicycle still without an absolute majority “an opportunity to rebalance power”. The opportunity crashed five months later against the wall of French political reality.
National Assembly, anatomy of a crisis, documentary by Emilie Lançon (Fr., 2024, 70 min).
How has public discontent influenced the recent elections in France?
Time.news Interview: Navigating the Political Crisis in France
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the recent political turmoil in france, sparked by President Emmanuel Macron’s declaration of dissolving the National Assembly in June 2024.Joining us is Emilie Lançon, the director and reporter behind the captivating documentary “National Assembly: Anatomy of a Crisis.” Emilie, it’s great to have you with us!
Emilie Lançon: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the insights we uncovered while documenting this important moment in French politics.
Editor: let’s start with the context. Can you walk us through what led to the decision to dissolve the National Assembly on June 9,2024?
Emilie Lançon: Absolutely. The decision was rooted in a combination of political instability and public discontent. Macron faced mounting challenges, including protests against his policies and a loss of support across the political spectrum. He announced the dissolution in an attempt to reset the political landscape and regain control, believing that fresh elections could provide a clearer mandate.
Editor: That was quite a bold move. What was the public’s reaction to this announcement?
Emilie Lançon: The reaction was mixed. While some saw it as a necessary step to revitalize governance,others viewed it as an evasion of accountability. A significant portion of the public was frustrated, feeling that Macron was choosing to dissolve parliament instead of addressing the issues at hand.
Editor: The subsequent elections were a focal point of your documentary, which culminated in a National Assembly without an absolute majority. What were your observations during this election period?
Emilie Lançon: It was chaotic and illuminating. Various parties, including both established and newer ones, scrambled to gain influence. The fragmentational political landscape made it clear that no single party could easily assert dominance. This habitat reflected a broader trend in France, indicating that voters were seeking alternatives to the traditional parties.
Editor: Your documentary aims to dissect these events thoroughly. Can you share what you feel are the key takeaways for viewers watching this political narrative unfold?
Emilie Lançon: one major takeaway is the importance of understanding voter sentiment in an ever-evolving political landscape. The documentary emphasizes how disillusionment and fragmentation can led to significant shifts in governmental power. For many viewers, it serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of political decisions made without the electorate’s engagement.
Editor: Given the unresolved issues leading to a legislature without a clear majority, what do you think lies ahead for France?
Emilie Lançon: It shows a precarious path ahead. The lack of an absolute majority could lead to gridlock and instability, and it will be crucial for leaders to engage in dialogue across party lines to forge coalitions. Alternatively, it could lead to further discontent among voters if they feel their interests aren’t being represented.
Editor: Emilie, it’s evident that your documentary sheds light on a critical juncture in French politics. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today!
Emilie Lançon: Thank you! I hope our work inspires viewers to become more engaged in their own political environments — it’s vital for democracy.
Editor: And for our audience, don’t forget to check out “National Assembly: Anatomy of a Crisis,” now available on france.TV. Join us next time as we explore more current events and their implications around the globe!