the LFI deputy votes “by delegation” to the National Assembly

LFI deputy Adrien Quatennens, accused by his wife of domestic violence, is on sick leave. He participates in public elections for the National Assembly by “voting delegation”announced his political group on Wednesday, October 12, a situation criticized by the majority.

Adrien Quatennens stepped down from coordinating LFI in mid-September after acknowledging violence against his wife, who has since filed a complaint. He has not served in Parliament since. Through a delegation of his right to vote to a colleague, the deputy from the North has however taken part in a series of public polls in the National Assembly since Monday, to oppose the budgetary texts or the reform unemployment insurance.

“A personal voting delegation”drafted in the name of a single named deputy, is indeed authorized in certain cases (illness, temporary mission entrusted by the government, etc.), according to the ordinance of November 7, 1958 on the subject.

Several parliamentarians from the majority have criticized this situation. “We cannot be there by correspondence, I ask LFI to clarify its position. Is Adrien Quatennens in withdrawal or not?”launched the MoDem Erwan Balanant in front of the press. “It is morally very borderline to say that we are in the background and that we are there to vote”he estimated. “Let him at least take the trouble not to delegate the vote, let him assume the fact of not being there. (…) It’s not responsible. What image do we give of politics, vis-à-vis the French? added his majority colleague Prisca Thévenot (Renaissance).

“He is on sick leave. He has the right to vote”reacted the deputy LFI and president of the Finance Committee Eric Coquerel, in front of the association of parliamentary journalists. “It was played with one or two votes each time. (…) In this case I am happy to have his voice to fight against the most extreme laws”said the rebellious Raquel Garrido.