The French National Assembly’s inquiry commission on public broadcasting voted Monday evening to publish rapporteur Charles Alloncle’s report, 12 in favor, 10 against, and 8 abstentions, after five hours of closed-door debate. The controversial report, with its radical proposals, will be available on May 4. Tensions marked the vote and its aftermath.
The National Assembly inquiry commission on public broadcasting, chaired by Jérémie Patrier-Leitus, narrowly approved publication of the report drafted by UDR deputy Charles Alloncle. The hand-raised vote on April 27 at 7:10 p.m. resulted in 12 in favor, 10 against, and 8 abstentions after nearly five hours of closed-door discussions.
The five LFI deputies, three socialists, and two ecologists voted against, as announced. PS deputy Ayda Hadizadeh told Jérémie Patrier-Leitus: « Vous nous avez lâchés en rase campagne » (« You left us high and dry »). The chair said he felt « agressé » (« attacked »). Charles Alloncle hailed a « victoire » (« victory ») after « des mois de pressions » (« months of pressure ») and « les manœuvres des censeurs » (« maneuvers of the censors »).
On Tuesday, Jérémie Patrier-Leitus criticized on France Inter Alloncle’s « accusations graves » (« serious accusations ») against the Assembly president, himself, and public broadcasting leaders. The report proposes merging channels like France 2 and France 5, banning reality TV shows, and a duty of reserve for some journalists on social media.
Some deputies called the proposals « chocs » (« shocking »), including a €1 billion austerity plan according to Le Monde. Le Figaro reports four deputies tipped the vote toward publication.
