Eric Coquerel, head of the Finance Committee since June 2022, is well-regarded among colleagues for his calm and respectful leadership style, contrasting with typical Insoumis behavior. While some praise his fairness and ability to foster harmonious relations, critics point to his ideological motivations. Coquerel balances maintaining respectful discourse while offering firm stances on budgetary issues. Despite showing a cooperative approach, concerns about ideological bias and operational dysfunctions within the committee have been raised by fellow members.
Since June 2022, LFI deputy Eric Coquerel has been leading the Finance Committee, earning widespread support from his colleagues within ‘ComFi’. With a more polished approach compared to many members of his party, some critics still feel that his ‘militant’ side occasionally overshadows his role as chair.
In early October, Eric Woerth, the previous chairman of the Finance Committee, humorously remarked to Coquerel during a chance encounter at a café, “We decided that only Erics would lead the committee.” The 65-year-old deputy from Seine-Saint-Denis was in a lighthearted mood.
Recollections from Woerth include his initial resistance to Coquerel’s reappointment in 2023, emphasizing the principle that a majority should not dictate who opposes them.
Coquerel confidently stated to AFP, “They acknowledge my past role in chairing this committee. I aim to be ‘firm on substance’ while ensuring respect for all members and the committee’s contribution to public discourse.”
“This isn’t a space for sensationalism and conflict,” he remarked, subtly addressing common criticisms aimed at the Insoumis party.
– ‘Ideological Consistency’ –
In conversations with AFP, few committee members have voiced dissatisfaction with Coquerel’s leadership as they wrap up a preliminary budget review. LR deputy Véronique Louwagie described their interactions as ‘cordial’ and noted that he effectively eased the ‘initial concerns’ of those worried about potential upheaval under his leadership.
“He is receptive to our feedback, actively listens to fellow finance commissioners, and maintains the smooth functioning of the committee, making it a cooperative environment,” summarized Louwagie, who previously contended with Coquerel for the committee chair position.
She further acknowledged Coquerel’s decisiveness in requesting ‘ceiling letters’ from Matignon for the 2025 budget discussions, unable to fault him for seeking information from a newly-appointed Prime Minister.
Jean-Philippe Tanguy, the RN leader on budgetary matters, praised Coquerel as a ‘fair man and a respectful committee chair,’ highlighting his ability to introduce intriguing topics that differ from routine discussions, despite their stark political differences.
Renaissance MP Charles Sitzenstuhl echoed this sentiment, saying, “While I disagree with his economic stance, I can only speak highly of Eric,” commending his ‘ideological coherence’ and ability to keep discussions vibrant while respecting varying viewpoints. “This is quite rare among Insoumis, who often lean towards divisive and confrontational tactics,” he remarked.
– LFI’s ‘Showcase’ –
Adding a few caveats to the praise, former budget general rapporteur Jean-René Cazeneuve urged against being ‘naive’ regarding Coquerel’s ‘clear human qualities’ along with what he perceives as a strong ideological stance.
“The president frequently gives voice to the militant side,” noted Cazeneuve, expressing concern that Coquerel sometimes oversteps his presidential role and contributes excessively to discussions.
In a letter addressed to Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet on October 9, Cazeneuve and ten other Renaissance deputies raised issues about ‘dysfunctions’ within the commission, claiming that a ‘plurality of debates’ is no longer maintained because both the chair and the Budget general rapporteur, Charles de Courson (Liot), are in opposition.
Cazeneuve went on to criticize Coquerel for not adhering to the Constitution by failing to dismiss a bill from the centrist Liot group regarding pensions in 2023, as mandated by Article 40.
“He stands apart from other Insoumis in his demeanor, representing a more respectable face of the group,” Cazeneuve stated, adding, “Despite his amiable demeanor, he remains dedicated to advocating for a strict Trotskyist ideology.”
Insoumis leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon publicly celebrated Coquerel’s career on X, highlighting what he described as the ‘magic formula: seriousness, hard work, and ideological consistency.’