Society of Writers opposes bill to dissolve CNL

The Society of Writers (SGDL) has publicly opposed a proposed bill that would dissolve the National Book Center (CNL) by January 1, 2027. The bill, introduced by Senators Pauline Martin and Mathieu Darnaud from Les Républicains, aims to transfer the CNL's activities to the State and then dissolve the institution.

CNL's mission and significance

The CNL, established in 1946, has the missions of encouraging the creation, publishing, distribution and promotion of quality works, the democratization of culture and the development of reading for all audiences. It contributes to the diversity and prominence of French-language literary creation in France and abroad.

Support from other organizations

The SGDL joins several professional organizations already mobilized, including the Charter of Children's Authors and Illustrators, the League of Professional Authors and the National Publishers' Union (SNE). The organization denounces the bill as a "deadly project" that would weaken authors and the entire book chain, harm editorial diversity and cultural democratization policies, and weaken the international prominence of French literature.

CNL's budget and context

The CNL's intervention budget is only 22 million euros, or 0.55% of the public audiovisual budget (4 billion euros) and 2.75% of the CNC's budget (800 million euros). The SGDL calls on all responsible parliamentarians to oppose this proposal.