The motion of censure, a phantom threat agitated by the Republicans

2023-09-19 15:00:01
The president of the Les Républicains group in the National Assembly, Olivier Marleix, at Matignon, in Paris, September 14, 2023. JULIEN MUGUET FOR “LE MONDE”

It’s no secret that Olivier Marleix doesn’t like “the new world” and its representatives. Within the Les Républicains (LR) party, his legendary anti-macronism amuses some and irritates others. But when he is questioned about the possibility of tabling a motion of censure against the government, the leader of the LR group in the National Assembly moves like a tightrope walker between his desire to hit the majority and a political reality dictating more restraint. “We are not trigger-happy people about the motion of censure”, he declared, Tuesday September 19 on Franceinfo, while presenting this tool as a “weapon of deterrence”.

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To press or not to press the red button, the question had animated the backstage of the parliamentary days of the right party, on September 12 and 13, in Saint-Malo, the aim of which was to recreate a collective spirit within a group whose WhatsApp loop remained desperately inactive during the vacation. With sixty-two elected officials, the right has never occupied so few benches in the National Assembly. However, it is the only formation likely to overthrow the government, with the addition of the votes of the opposition parties to its own.

And she does not hesitate to recall it to put pressure on the executive, as Olivier Marleix did, in July, on immigration, or Gérard Larcher, the president of the Senate, on the budget. “We have this instrument in our hands on texts contrary to our values ​​and we can use it”, reiterates Mr. Marleix today. The latter comes across as tough on the subject, ready to show his muscles, when the president of the party, Eric Ciotti, advances cautiously like a Sioux chief. ” We are complementary “smiles the latter.

“Feathered hats”

The weapon of censorship exists, but it must be used cautiously. In reality, the difference is mainly in form between Eric Ciotti and Olivier Marleix. Asked by Le Figaroon September 11, on the possibility of triggering a motion of censure on the budget, the leader of the LR deputies warns the government about the increase in the price of gasoline which has become “unbearable for the French”… but nuance in the same sentence: “We are consistent and responsible. » Translation: when we call ourselves a government party, we do not censor on a financial text. “Even if the economic situation of the country is dramatic, there is budgetary stability that we must ensure out of responsibility to allow continuity of public services”summarizes Emilie Bonnivard, MP for Savoie.

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