LFI MP Thomas Portes was sanctioned on Wednesday by the National Assembly office for “threatening and offensive” remarks made in the chamber during a question session to the government.
The Assembly office, after listening to Thomas Portes, decided with 11 votes in favour, 2 against and one abstention to impose a warning to order on him with entry in the minutes, the second possible sanction on a scale of four.
The decision was taken by the highest executive body of the Lower House, which brings together vice-presidents, quaestors and secretaries around the President of the Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet. The latter criticized in a press release the ”threatening and insulting statements” of the Seine-Saint-Denis MP.
Insults and threats cannot enter the National Assembly.
Upon my proposal, the Secretariat of the National Assembly called Mr. Thomas Portes to order with a record. pic.twitter.com/6WaFgFiyud
— Yaël Braun-Pivet (@YaelBRAUNPIVET) November 20, 2024
He was specifically accused of saying: “Shut your mouth, you. We will take care of you. We will explain ourselves outside, you will see”, addressing the benches of the National Rally. The scene took place on October 30, during a question to the government by groupmate Nathalie Oziol on the Middle East.
“Freedom of expression is essential but cannot justify threats against other parliamentarians”
Several sources from the LFI group responded by reporting questions coming from the RN desks to which Thomas Portes would have answered, and in particular from the deputy Laurent Jacobelli who had described the LFI deputies as “spokesmen for Hamas”.
According to several parliamentary sources, representatives of the joint base, Liot, a PS and an environmentalist spoke in favor of the sanction. The LFI spoke against it and the representative of the GDR (communist and overseas) group abstained. The sanction involves the deprivation for one month of a quarter of the parliamentary allowance, or 1,482.99 euros.
“Insults and threats have no place in the chamber of the National Assembly. Deputies have a duty to set an example and must show themselves worthy of the mandate entrusted to them by the French,” said Yaël Braun-Pivet in her press release, underlining that Thomas Portes had already been sanctioned in the past. “Freedom of expression is essential but it cannot justify threats against other MPs,” Socialist MP and cabinet member Sophie Pantel also said.
What are the potential consequences of disrespectful remarks in legislative assemblies?
Time.news Interview: Exploring Political Conduct and Accountability
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into an important topic regarding political conduct in the National Assembly, particularly in light of the recent sanction against LFI MP Thomas Portes. Joining us is Dr. Clara Moreau, a political science expert specializing in parliamentary behavior and ethics. Thank you for being here, Dr. Moreau.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial discussion, especially given the current political climate.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. Thomas Portes was sanctioned for making what were deemed “threatening and offensive” remarks during a session. Why is behavior like this taken so seriously in parliamentary settings?
Dr. Moreau: Parliamentary decorum is essential for maintaining order and respect within the legislature. When members engage in threatening language, it undermines the institution’s integrity and can create a toxic environment where productive discourse becomes impossible. It’s about more than just individual conduct; it’s about protecting the legislative process as a whole.
Editor: That’s a valid point. The National Assembly’s sanction included 11 votes in favor of the warning and just two against. What does this reveal about the Assembly’s stance on misconduct?
Dr. Moreau: The overwhelming vote indicates a strong consensus among members regarding the importance of maintaining a respectful environment. It also shows that the Assembly is willing to take action against behavior that could be seen as threatening, which is vital in setting a precedent for accountability.
Editor: Yaël Braun-Pivet, the President of the Assembly, also criticized Portes’s comments, emphasizing that “insults and threats cannot enter the National Assembly.” How significant is leadership’s role in enforcing decorum?
Dr. Moreau: Leadership plays a critical role in establishing and enforcing norms. When leaders like Braun-Pivet take a firm stance against such behavior, it reinforces the expectation that all members should adhere to a code of conduct. This leadership accountability is essential for fostering a culture where respectful debate is prioritized.
Editor: In Portes’s case, he specifically directed his remarks towards members of the National Rally, saying, “Shut your mouth, you. We will take care of you.” How does targeted hostility affect political discourse and party relations?
Dr. Moreau: Targeted hostility can severely strain relationships between political parties, leading to an environment where collaboration becomes difficult. Such comments not only escalate tensions but can also polarize discussions, discouraging constructive dialog. If MPs feel threatened or insulted, they are less likely to engage with each other in a meaningful way.
Editor: Given this incident, what measures can be taken to improve behavior in parliamentary discussions?
Dr. Moreau: There are several approaches. Implementing stricter guidelines on conduct, offering workshops on effective communication and conflict resolution, and having a clear and enforced system of consequences for unacceptable behavior can all help. Additionally, fostering an environment that promotes respect and collaboration will go a long way in mitigating conflicts.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for your insights. As we’ve seen, maintaining respectful communication in political institutions is essential for effective governance. It’s clear that actions taken to ensure conduct are not just about punishment, but about fostering a culture of respect.
Dr. Moreau: Absolutely. It’s all about creating a space where ideas can be shared openly without fear of hostility. Thank you for bringing attention to this important issue.
Editor: Thank you for joining us, and we hope to continue exploring such vital topics in future interviews.