French Deputy Yaël Ménaché faced scrutiny this weekend after her vehicle was stopped by the police due to claims of lacking insurance. The incident took place during the early hours of December 15, 2024, around 3 AM, as Ménaché traveled through Chauny, Aisne, following celebrations.
According to reports, the police check was routine and not aimed directly at the deputy. Ménaché, representing the National Rally, was merely a passenger, and her vehicle was stopped for standard identity checks and verification of insurance papers. The local gendarmerie confirmed the vehicle allegedly did not have insurance at the time of the inspection, leading to the situation’s complexity.
“I was not driving; I was sitting at the back of the car,” Ménaché stated when recounting the events to reporters. This was part of her assertion to the officers present, who found themselves faced with conflicting narratives. Reports indicate Ménaché expressed significant agitation over being ticketed for something she believed was incorrectly recorded by the authorities.
“I responded to the gendarme it was false, the vehicle was insured,” she asserted, adding later, “There could be a time lapse between payment of the insurance premium and the update.” The deputy stated she had renewed her vehicle's insurance earlier the same day, and she provided police with proof from her insurer, Axa, to contest the fine she was grappling with.
Frustrated with the misunderstanding, Ménaché remarked on the situation, noting, “It’s absurd to see four gendarmes checking on us when there are others driving under the influence, risking lives.” This pointed comment sheds light on her views on police priorities, especially during roadside checks, and highlights her concern about road safety and responsible policing.
Driving without valid insurance is not just a trivial matter; it's considered a significant offense under French law, leading to considerable financial penalties. “If you are controlled aboard a vehicle which is not insured... you risk a fine of up to 3,750 euros,” warns the government’s public service information site. It emphasizes the seriousness of keeping vehicles properly insured, and the threats posed by uninsured driving.
Ménaché has faced various challenges throughout her political career, representing constituents with fervor, now finding herself battling this legal snag. Interestingly, initial reports mistakenly indicated she had been directly penalized, which was clarified later with confirmation from sources close to the event, stating she was merely riding as a passenger.
Despite the frustration, local authorities clarified they had acted within their rights. “There was no disrespectful behavior identified,” said the gendarmerie service, countering some claims of Ménaché showing disrespect during the stop. While she did not present her parliamentary ID, they noted they recognized the official vehicle from its markings.
This incident raises broader concerns about the communication between police and citizens, especially during routine checks where the pressure mounts on both sides. It highlights the potential for misunderstanding, especially when systems may lag behind actual events, such as insurance renewals.
Moving forward, Ménaché is expected to contest the fine, presenting valid documentation to support her claim of compliance with legal insurance requirements. Yet this chapter remains indicative of the broader issues lawmakers face, balancing their public service roles with their personal day-to-day challenges.
For now, the attention shifts to how Ménaché navigates this unexpected legal battle and what it means for her constituents who look to her for leadership and accountability.
