To advance their subjects, the deputies have become accustomed to table bills which are not always intended to succeed. This practice has exploded over the past year.
Do you remember this bill by deputy RN Julien Odoul to ban the sale of galettes des rois in supermarkets during the month of January? Or that of Nicolas Dupont-Aignan aiming to recognize the horse as a pet?
However, these bills (or PPL) are part of the hundreds of texts tabled by deputies each year. They have the right to do so, it is even one of their functions, but under the current legislature there is an inflation of these surprising texts, which for the most part will lead nowhere.
Out of 574 texts, only 17 were adopted
According to figures published by the National Assembly, 574 legislative proposals were tabled by deputies during the 2022-2023 session. This is four times more than the previous year. Of these 574 texts, 70 were examined in session and only 17 were adopted. 97% of legislative proposals therefore fail.
These are called “call texts”. A more political than legislative function, which is also frequently found in the tabling of amendments. In an Assembly where parliamentarians are very restrained, writing a bill makes it possible to make a coup, to try to impose an issue on the political agenda. In a word, it is simply trying to exist. “It’s difficult to be visible among other deputies”recognizes a counselor.
In reality, no one is fooled. Most of these texts are not co-signed. Many aren’t even well-written, actually researched, or funded, but they do deliver a quarter hour of stardom on the news channels. “The political class is more interested in its likes on Instagram than in the substance of the subjects”annoys Tris Acatrinei, founder of the Arcadia Project who scrutinizes parliamentary news.
The democratic risk of the permanent communication coup
This strategy does not only affect the opposition. In the majority too, there are “trial balloon” bills. A few months ago, the Macronist deputy Sacha Houlié revived the idea of the right to vote for foreigners, triggering an immediate bronca, even in his camp. At the time, his entourage agreed: this text was not intended to be studied. It was for “stir up the debate”.
A bill is therefore a communication tool. A tool of political balance of power even in the majority. But beware: the more laws that do not see the light of day, the more you create a democratic risk. Risk of disappointment among voters who may believe, in good faith, that their MP is fighting for them, when it is only com.
At the beginning of June, LFI deputy Louis Boyard announced on TikTok a law against the blocking of Netflix code sharing. Immediate media success. Last night, the MP told us that this text has not yet been tabled. Being a legislator seems more complex than being an influencer…