The op-ed – reminiscent of tones from the Holy Inquisition – co-signed by 61 Republican Party (LR) representatives from the department recently at the initiative of Eric Ciotti on the Benalla affair, was so heavily instrumentalized that it could not go without a reaction from the departmental deputies of the presidential majority.
If it is a “state affair,” local representatives have the right to express themselves, but it also shows the speculative nature of their initiative, which otherwise serves no purpose (who outside the department would read the op-ed?), except to highlight that a certain Christian Estrosi distanced himself from it.
In fact, it is clear to everyone that the purpose of the initiative was not so much to pin the President of the Republic – as Eric Ciotti does daily – but his “de facto” ally, whom they want to show, once again, as being positioned outside the party.
We, LaREM deputies of Alpes-Maritimes, were shocked to learn of the op-ed co-signed by 61 LR representatives from the department. Thus, we wish to set the record straight with indisputable facts that the opposition is instrumentalizing.
The events that occurred on May 1st were shocking and unacceptable, which is why the President of the Republic’s chief of staff took action the very next day: Mr. Benalla was suspended for fifteen days, with a salary suspension.
At the request of the majority deputies, within 24 hours, the National Assembly’s law committee was transformed into a parliamentary inquiry committee. It is the first time a committee has convened so quickly.
Two other inquiries are also underway to uncover the truth: the Ministry of the Interior has commissioned the General Inspectorate of the National Police (IGPN), and the Public Prosecutor’s Office has been involved, five individuals have been taken into custody, and hearings have started immediately.
These administrative, judicial, and parliamentary reactions are rare in their swiftness and intensity.
Regarding the hearings of the Minister of State, Mr. Gérard Collomb, and the Paris police prefect, Mr. Delpuech, 155 questions were posed by the National Assembly’s law committee, 114 of which were from opposition members who thus have the full space to ask the questions they want within the framework of procedures provided by the constitution.
Regarding false information spread by the opposition, Mr. Benalla was never in charge of the reorganization of the President of the Republic’s security services. He was involved in the project, supervised by the heads of the GSPR (Security Group of the President of the Republic) and military command.
The Élysée never encouraged Mr. Benalla to apply for a position as sub-prefect, as he does not meet the minimum age requirement (35 years). No request was made to the Ministry of the Interior in this matter, and the President of the Republic certainly did not push for this nomination, which is impossible by nature.
However, Mr. Benalla was indeed authorized for “classified defense,” which is standard for all Élysée collaborators who have access to the President’s schedule.
The President of the Republic does not shirk his obligations. By speaking out last night, he courageously and determinedly assumed his responsibilities.
The media timeline is not the same as the judicial timeline. It is urgent to allow the justice system to work so that the truth can emerge. It is our duty to respect the institutions and focus on examining crucial texts for our democracy.
Loïc DOMBREVAL, Cédric ROUSSEL, Alexandra VALETTA-ARDISSON
