On Monday, shortly after the senatorial elections, newly elected senators began their first steps in the Palais du Luxembourg, the seat of the French Senate. Their arrival combined emotional moments with administrative formalities and the symbolic transition into their new roles. Bertrand Dupont, elected as a senator for French citizens living abroad on the Republicans' list, was among the first to enter the building. Upon arrival, he completed necessary administrative tasks, including a traditional identity photo, under the supervision of Senate staff. Dupont then received his senator's insignia, known as the "barometer," and a tricolor scarf, with specific instructions on how to wear it. A Senate official explained that, unlike mayors, the senator's scarf is worn with the red color at the collar.
Dupont, who has lived in Latin America for over 30 years, emphasized that his experience as a business leader helping French entrepreneurs abroad would be valuable in his parliamentary role. Ronan Le Gleut, a LR senator for French citizens living outside of France, welcomed Dupont and noted that his experience with Argentina's debt crisis could be relevant to France's current financial situation. Dupont also outlined his priorities, including budgetary issues for overseas citizens and the state of social coverage and education for those living outside France.
Claudie Faucon-Méjean, freshly elected as a Socialist senator for the Aude, described the hemicycle—the main chamber of the Senate—as magnificent but also a reminder of the responsibility that comes with the position. She aims to represent the 433 communes of the Aude, focusing on rural areas and the impact of climate change, especially after the violent fires during the summer heatwave. She mentioned a "difficult senatorial campaign" against the National Rally, which had hoped to win a seat in the Aude.
Valérie Bazin-Malgras, elected as a LR senator for the Aube, expressed her intention to work closely with local elected officials and noted that the Senate's debate atmosphere may differ from that of the National Assembly. She mentioned her desire for serenity and being more heard in the majority group of the LR. Meanwhile, Claude Raynal, a Socialist senator from Haute-Garonne preparing to leave the Senate, advised new senators to choose a specific work theme and focus on it rather than dispersing their efforts. He noted that recognition in the Senate is based on competence, unlike the National Assembly, where one is more directly connected to the population.
Around 60 new senators were elected on September 27, marking their first experience with parliamentary life and the upper house. A notable debut was the arrival of a far-right group at the Palais du Luxembourg, who were welcomed on Tuesday by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella. Gabriel Amard, one of the two LFI elected on Sunday, also made his arrival at the Senate. Christian Simon, freshly elected in the Var, expressed his emotions upon arriving at the Senate, accompanied by his running mate, Françoise Dumont, who is already familiar with the Senate's customs. Benjamin Huin, the new Renaissance senator from the Bas-Rhin, described the experience as "a bit like a school start."
The senatorial renewal also led to a reshaping of the eight permanent committees and seven delegations of the Senate. Depending on their affinities and skills, the elected officials will be required to sit in one of these bodies. Gabriel Amard expressed interest in committees related to public and local finances, while Patrick Leclerc mentioned economic or cultural affairs. However, some seats are more requested than others, often to the detriment of novices.
New Senators Take Oath at Palais du Luxembourg Amid Political Shifts
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