National Assembly president proposes inquiry commission

The president of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, plans to propose the creation of an inquiry commission on Tuesday, focusing on the strategy for maintaining order during recent protests in France. This proposal aims to investigate the events of October 17 and 18, when demonstrations against the high cost of living turned violent in several cities.

Deputies support the initiative

On October 19, deputies Boris Vallaud (Socialists), Paul Vannier (France Insoumise), and Prisca Thévenot (Together for the Republic) participated in a televised discussion on LCP’s Lundi, c'est politique. They praised Braun-Pivet’s proposal, emphasizing the need to investigate the "excesses" during the protests and the methods used by violent groups and law enforcement.

Criticism of government handling

Boris Vallaud, president of the Socialist deputies, stated that the moment had come to hold people accountable for the events. He expressed doubts about the government’s response. Paul Vannier criticized the mobilization of only 10,000 police officers nationwide, compared to 14,000 in Paris during the Pope’s visit, calling the government’s handling of the situation "inept."

Deputies from Together for the Republic criticize responses

Prisca Thévenot, deputy from Hauts-de-Seine, criticized the government’s initial responses as inadequate and dismissed President Emmanuel Macron’s speech as ineffective. She emphasized the need to investigate the events and prevent similar occurrences in the future, hoping the inquiry commission would be passed unanimously.

National Rally deputy remains cautious

Laurent Jacobelli, a deputy from the National Rally, expressed caution about the proposal. He said his group would decide its position on Tuesday morning, noting that the causes of the unrest were already known. He questioned why Paris had fewer police officers than during previous riots but doubted the commission would provide solutions.

Scope and timeline of the inquiry

Boris Vallaud suggested the commission should question former interior ministers and examine international practices. While inquiry commissions typically last six months, their work might be shortened due to the upcoming presidential election, with conclusions possibly presented early next year.