National Assembly Elections: A Setback for the National Rally
The recent election of vice-presidents in the National Assembly has highlighted a significant setback for the National Rally (RN) as they failed to secure any positions despite their substantial voter base. Out of six vice-presidents elected, two were from France Insoumise, while the RN was left without representation. This outcome has sparked strong reactions from RN leaders, who denounced the election process as a betrayal of the 11 million voters who supported them. Marine Le Pen stated, "It is our honor to vote for candidates representing the political weight of various groups elected by the French". This statement underscores the RN's commitment to a balanced representation, despite their lack of success.
In a heated atmosphere within the Assembly, RN deputies expressed their outrage at what they viewed as a disrespect for democracy. Sébastien Chenu characterized the election as a “scam” while Laurent Jacobelli lamented the absence of RN representation as an insult. The left-wing deputies, meanwhile, interpreted the RN's actions as a tactical maneuver to distract from their defeat. This political drama unfolded amidst a backdrop of refusal from various deputies to shake hands with RN's youngest member, Flavien Termet, a gesture that reflects the deep-seated divisions within the Assembly.
- ## A Divided Assembly: Refusal to Acknowledge the National Rally The tension escalated further as many deputies from different parties, including LFI and the Socialist Party, publicly refused to shake hands with Flavien Termet, the youngest member of the National Assembly from the RN. This symbolic act of defiance was justified by deputies like Louis Boyard and Antoine Léaument, who emphasized their principled stand against the far-right party. Boyard stated, "We don’t shake hands with the far right. Never." Despite the rejection from his colleagues, Termet maintained that courtesy in politics is essential and expressed his willingness to extend his hand to all deputies, highlighting a desire to ease tensions. This incident not only showcases the ongoing animosity towards the RN but also reflects the broader challenges of political engagement and dialogue in a polarized environment.
