A heated controversy has unfurled around access restrictions for workers repairing the National Assembly after reports suggested they would be barred from using coffee machines within the building. The scandal sparked significant outcry from political leaders across the spectrum, affirming the rights of these workers to enjoy common facilities.
On February 2, 2025, the Journal du Dimanche published claims stating workers, including roofers, masons, electricians, plumbers, and drywallers, had been denied access to coffee machines on the first floor of the Palais Bourbon, where the National Assembly convenes. This report indicated the complaints arose from deputies unhappy about encountering construction workers during their day-to-day activities at the assembly.
Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly, immediately took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to refute these claims. "I was shocked to learn through the media this morning, from the Saturday edition, about supposed restrictions on access to coffee machines for workers involved in the restoration of the Assembly. This information is false," Braun-Pivet asserted. She emphasized firmly, "No instructions have ever been issued to this effect by the National Assembly, and anyone who would have taken it upon themselves to issue such directives would stand absolutely wrong. No repulsive measures like this have a place here."
Former Minister and current Questor of the National Assembly, Brigitte Klinkert, was equally dismissive of the reports, expressing gratitude toward the workers, artisans, and tradespeople diligently working to restore the Assembly. "This 'information' is completely false. Our coffee machines are accessible to all: workers, deputies, visitors... Enough with the misinformation," Klinkert expressed, standing firmly against the misleading narrative.
The controversy prompted swift reactions from numerous political figures. Marine Le Pen, deputy from Pas-de-Calais, framed the situation as embarrassing, casting the Assembly as "the house of the people, not the palace of little kings." She continued, "If some deputies refuse to meet workers and artisans, I suggest they do the work themselves. I think they would need more than one coffee after hours of labor!"
Antoine Léaument, of the LFI group, echoed his colleagues' sentiments, expressing outrage at the reported situation. "I have no words to express my disgust. The workers who toil at the Assembly improve our working conditions... And you cannot bear to see them? What world are you living in?" Léaument's impassioned remarks reflected the broader consensus against the alleged discriminatory actions faced by assembly workers.
Many deputies around the National Assembly condemned any initiative to limit access for these workers, characterizing it as fundamentally at odds with the institution’s foundation of service and representation. This controversy has ignited discussions about the treatment of workers and the significance of ensuring their rights within the Assembly, which has long been seen as the essence of democracy and representation.
Following the uproar, the National Assembly has not only defended the rights of workers but also sought to reaffirm its commitment to equity and proper treatment of all individuals contributing to the legislative process, regardless of their role. This situation highlights the necessity of clarifying such misinformation and protecting the dignity of workers providing their services to the nation's representatives.
With voices from across the political spectrum united against the insinuations put forth, the National Assembly may find itself reassessing its communication strategies to prevent future misunderstandings about the treatment of those on the assembly grounds. Braun-Pivet and other leaders' firm stances serve to fortify workers' positions and mitigate the emotional and factual fallout associated with these unfounded claims.
Moving forward, it will be integral for the National Assembly to maintain open lines of communication, ensuring the rights and contributions of every worker, from the building trades to the legislative floor, are respected and upheld within this historic institution.