On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the National Assembly of France took decisive action against LFI deputy Andy Kerbrat, resulting in his temporary exclusion from the assembly for a period of 15 days. This sanction was part of a broader disciplinary measure that also included a reduction of half of his parliamentary allowance for two months. The decision was made unanimously by the assembly members, reflecting a rare moment of consensus across party lines.
Kerbrat, a 34-year-old representative from Loire-Atlantique, had been scheduled to attend a hearing regarding breaches of ethics but failed to appear, citing ongoing health issues. In a statement shared on social media, he acknowledged having made "errors in managing" his advance of mandate expenses (AFM) account, which is designed to cover parliamentary expenses. He claimed to have repaid all funds that could be construed as personal use, amounting to nearly 26,000 euros.
According to the assembly regulations, the sanction imposed is classified as a level 4 disciplinary action, the highest level available. This includes not only the temporary exclusion from sessions but also the significant financial penalty, as Kerbrat will only receive approximately 2,978 euros of his monthly allowance during this period, down from 5,957 euros.
Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the National Assembly, explained that the decision was justified by the "multiplicity, recurrence, and duration" of the infractions committed by Kerbrat. She emphasized that these actions, which involved the improper use of public funds, should not tarnish the reputation of the entire national representation. The assembly's unanimous vote on this matter underscores the seriousness with which it views ethical breaches among its members.
Kerbrat has been under scrutiny since October 2024, when he was arrested in the Paris metro for possession of 3-MMC, a synthetic drug. Reports from Mediapart indicated that he allegedly used his AFM account to finance his drug consumption, a claim he vehemently denies. He insists that he has never used his mandate expense allowance to fund his addiction, stating, "I am sanctioned for mismanagement of the AFM, which I regularized in 2023, well before media coverage of my arrest." He has also expressed his intention to comply with the assembly's decisions and not contest the sanctions.
In addition to Kerbrat, Christine Engrand, a former member of the National Rally (RN), was also sanctioned on the same day for similar breaches involving the misuse of mandate expenses. Engrand, who has already been expelled from her party, faced scrutiny for using her funds for personal expenses, including a dating site subscription and dog sitting services. Like Kerbrat, she was subjected to the assembly's highest disciplinary measures.
The assembly's actions mark a significant moment in the ongoing discussions about ethics and accountability among elected officials in France. This is reportedly the first time such a severe sanction has been issued for breaches of the code of ethics, according to Braun-Pivet. The implications of these decisions extend beyond the individual cases, as they reflect an institutional commitment to uphold standards of conduct within the assembly.
As the political landscape in France continues to evolve, the repercussions of these ethical breaches could resonate with the electorate, highlighting the importance of transparency and integrity in public office. Observers note that the assembly's unanimous decision sends a clear message about the expectations placed on its members and the consequences of failing to meet those standards.
In recent years, several elected officials have faced temporary exclusions for various infractions, indicating a growing intolerance for misconduct within the ranks of the assembly. The actions taken against Kerbrat and Engrand may serve as a precedent for future cases, reinforcing the assembly's commitment to ethical governance.
As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor the reactions from both the public and political leaders regarding the assembly's handling of these cases. The outcomes may influence future legislative sessions and the overall trust in the political system.
