RN's return to Assembly bureau crystallizes tensions
The Rassemblement National (RN) has returned to the National Assembly's bureau, sparking sharp political tensions. This vote, held on September 30, 2025, highlights ongoing divisions within France's lower house of Parliament. Reactions from other parliamentary groups underscore the democratic and institutional stakes at play.
On September 30, 2025, the National Assembly voted on the composition of its bureau, marking the return of the Rassemblement National (RN) to this leadership body. According to Le Monde, the decision passed by a narrow margin, with 289 votes in favor and 276 against, allowing two RN deputies to join the bureau presided over by Yaël Braun-Pivet.
This return follows a period of exclusion for the RN after the 2024 legislative elections, where the far-right party saw significant gains but was kept out of the bureau due to alliances among other political forces. RN's parliamentary leader, Sébastien Chenu, hailed the development as 'a victory for representative democracy,' emphasizing that 'the French people voted for a plural Assembly.'
However, this integration immediately crystallized tensions. Left-wing groups, particularly La France Insoumise (LFI), condemned it as a 'dangerous drift' for institutions. LFI group president Mathilde Panot stated: 'Allowing the RN to settle at the heart of Parliament is to legitimize the far right and weaken our republican values.' Meanwhile, the majority Renaissance group expressed reservations, with a spokesperson noting that 'this decision respects the rules, but we remain vigilant against risks of polarization.'
The broader context reveals the fragilities of France's post-election political landscape. With no single bloc holding an absolute majority, ad hoc alliances are crucial. The Assembly's bureau, responsible for organizing debates and votes, plays a pivotal role in this dynamic. Observers note that the RN's return could complicate negotiations on the 2026 budget and other major reforms.
Despite these frictions, Yaël Braun-Pivet called for unity: 'The bureau must reflect the Assembly's diversity to ensure its proper functioning.' This episode illustrates the challenges facing the Fifth Republic amid the rise of extremes.