The Assemblée nationale has taken a firm stance against misconduct among its members, sanctioning two deputies for improper use of their mandate fees. Christine Engrand, an ex-Rassemblement national deputy representing the 6th district of Pas-de-Calais, has been excluded for two weeks after it was revealed that she misused her advance of mandate fees (AFM) for personal expenses.
The AFM is a fund allocated to deputies for expenses related to their legislative duties, such as travel between their constituencies and Paris, accommodation for staff, and other necessary costs. However, using these funds for personal gain, such as paying for dog care or a dating site subscription, is strictly prohibited.
Engrand's exclusion was part of a broader disciplinary action taken on May 7, 2025, when the Assemblée nationale voted unanimously to impose the harshest sanction allowed under its regulations. This decision was made in light of a report by Médiapart, which disclosed Engrand's questionable financial activities.
According to the rules governing the use of AFM, deputies can claim expenses for activities directly related to their roles. For instance, they can cover the cost of train tickets for travel to and from Paris, accommodation for collaborators, communication expenses, and office supplies. However, the funds cannot be used for personal enrichment, such as purchasing property or financing political parties.
Engrand was called in for questioning by the ethics officer of the Assemblée nationale following the revelations about her expenditures. The ethics officer subsequently recommended sanctions, which the assembly's executive bureau approved unanimously. The president of the Assemblée nationale, Yaël Braun-Pivet, emphasized that the actions of these deputies should not tarnish the reputation of the entire legislative body.
"The actions that led to this sanction reflect a serious irregularity in the use of their mandate fees," Braun-Pivet stated, noting the importance of maintaining integrity within the assembly. She praised the unanimous vote, which included support from both the Rassemblement national and La France Insoumise parties.
In addition to Engrand, another deputy, Andy Kerbrat, faced similar sanctions for allegedly using his mandate fees to fund his drug use. Kerbrat, who has denied these allegations, was also temporarily excluded from the assembly and will face a reduction in his parliamentary allowance. He has reportedly reimbursed 95% of the questioned expenses, although he maintains that he did not use his AFM for personal drug consumption.
The sanctions against both deputies highlight a growing concern within the French political landscape regarding the ethical management of public funds. The AFM currently amounts to €5,950 per month, a figure that was increased by €300 in January 2024 due to inflation. This adjustment has sparked criticism among the public, who feel that deputies should be more accountable for their financial decisions.
In recent years, the Assemblée nationale has seen several instances of temporary exclusions for various infractions. For example, in 2022, former deputy Grégoire De Fournas was sanctioned for making racist remarks during a session. Similarly, in 2023, Thomas Portes faced exclusion for refusing to apologize to a minister during a contentious debate on pension reforms. Last year, Sébastien Delogu was also sanctioned for displaying a Palestinian flag in the chamber.
These incidents have raised questions about the effectiveness of the measures in place to ensure ethical conduct among deputies. Critics argue that while sanctions are necessary, they must be consistently applied to deter misconduct effectively. The public's trust in their representatives is crucial, and actions like those taken against Engrand and Kerbrat are steps toward restoring that trust.
As the Assemblée nationale moves forward, it remains to be seen how these sanctions will impact the broader political climate in France. The emphasis on accountability and ethical governance is more critical than ever, especially in light of the recent controversies surrounding the use of public funds.
Engrand's case serves as a reminder that public officials must adhere to the standards expected of them, and any deviation from these standards will be met with consequences. The assembly's decision to impose the maximum penalty underscores its commitment to maintaining integrity and transparency within its ranks.
In conclusion, the exclusion of Christine Engrand and the disciplinary action against Andy Kerbrat reflect a significant moment in French politics, as lawmakers grapple with the importance of ethical behavior in public office. As the public continues to demand accountability, the actions taken by the Assemblée nationale may pave the way for more stringent oversight and a renewed focus on the ethical use of public resources.
