Marine Le Pen and the Green Party MPs are demanding an extraordinary session of Parliament. Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Rally (RN) MPs, renewed her request for a special session in September. The Green and Social group in the Assembly has also called for a session, citing a democratically untenable situation. Le Pen wrote an open letter to the leaders of the Assembly and the Senate requesting a consensus on the order of business, proposing discussions on France’s public finances and social security. She believes Parliament must address these issues before the 2025 budget is presented in October.
The Green and Social group echoed Le Pen’s call for an extraordinary session, accusing President Emmanuel Macron of continuing rejected policies. They support Lucie Castets as Prime Minister, emphasizing her coalition’s majority in the Assembly. Convening a special session requires the President’s approval, and the Communists have also requested one. Speaker of the Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet, a Macron supporter, is in favor of an extraordinary session if a new Prime Minister is appointed. She believes it is essential to hear and question the new government in current political circumstances.
If Parliament does convene in September, topics such as the education system, agricultural issues, and healthcare policy may be discussed alongside financial matters. The urgency for parliamentary debate is underscored by the need to approve the 2023 accounts before the budget presentation. Le Pen and the Greens are emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in governmental financial matters, arguing that the French public should have a voice in the decision-making process. The call for an extraordinary session reflects a broader desire for greater parliamentary oversight.
Le Pen’s proposal for a consensus-driven agenda may indicate a willingness to work with other political factions in Parliament to address key national issues. By highlighting the financial challenges facing France and the importance of addressing them proactively, she is seeking to assert her party’s role in shaping government policy. The Greens’ support for a special session aligns with their environmental and social justice priorities, suggesting a potential alliance between different parties on specific policy matters. The push for an extraordinary session reflects a broader shift towards more open and participatory democracy in France.
Ultimately, the decision to convene an extraordinary session lies with President Macron, who must consider the various requests and assess the urgency of the issues raised. The calls from Le Pen, the Greens, and other groups highlight the need for parliamentary scrutiny and action on pressing national concerns. If Parliament does assemble in September, it will provide an opportunity for robust debate and decision-making on critical issues affecting France’s future. An extraordinary session could pave the way for a more inclusive and responsive political system that engages citizens in shaping the country’s direction.
