French MPs approve reforms after scandal-plagued election

30 July 2017:After an election season plagued by scandals over fake jobs and nepotism, French MPs have approved a wide-ranging bill aimed at introducing more transparency into public life.

After promising to restore the public’s faith in politicians, French President Emmanuel Macron succeeded in convincing France’s National Assembly to adopt the first reading of a bill on the “moralisation of public life” overnight Saturday in a bid to make French politics more transparent and free from nepotism and conflicts of interest.

After nearly 50 hours of debate and after scrutinising more than 800 amendments, members of parliament (known in France as députés), adopted the first part of the bill aiming to "restore confidence in public life” by 319 votes to 4, then approved a second part of the bill by 203 votes to 37.

In his inaugural speech as president in May, Macron said: “France is only a model for the world if it is exemplary. My mandate will restore the confidence the French need to believe in themselves."

Macron put financial and ethical probity in public life at the centre of his presidential campaign after corruption scandals rocked his rivals, notably François Fillon of the conservative Les Républicains party and far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who were both accused of creating fake jobs for family or friends.

Several MPs, including Le Pen and leader of the far-left La France Insoumise (France Unbowed) movement Jean-Luc Melenchon, are also facing enquiries about the possible misuse of European Parliament funds.

Illegal to employ close family members

If the bill passes into law, it will become illegal for ministers, MPs and local executive bodies to employ “close” family members (including spouses, civil partners, parents and children). Breaking the law could entail a three-year prison sentence and a €45,000 fine plus the reimbursement of any salaries paid.

Fillon was put under formal investigation for misuse of public funds earlier this year amid allegations that he had arranged for his British wife Penelope to be paid at least €680,000 in taxpayers’ money over a 15-year period for a fake job as a parliamentary assistant. Fillon was also accused of giving two of his children fake jobs when he was a senator and they were still students. However, Fillon has denied breaking any laws.

The new bill calls for any “family link” (being a member or former member of the family) to be declared to the High Authority for the Transparency of Public Life (HATVP) before someone is employed. Members of parliament would also need to declare the hiring of family members to the assembly. (The rules will also apply to employing a family member of another MP.)

The "parliamentary grants system", which enables deputies and senators to award funds to local organisations, will be gradually phased out by 2024. According to French media, €147 million of these grants have so far been awarded in 2017, up from €138 million last year. Politicians will also face intense scrutiny in the future if they reward clients and organisations in return for their support.

Prevention of conflicts of interest

According to figures quoted in French daily Le Parisien, MPs currently receive an indemnity of €5,373 for expenses while senators received €6,110. If the bill passes, expenses will be subject to more control and will only be reimbursed upon furnishing receipts or if they specifically request an advance.

Members of parliament will also no longer be able to receive remuneration from public or semi-public agencies.

The bill introduces restrictions on what other work parliamentary members can perform, including forbidding them from providing private consulting services during their time in office. However, they can act as consultants if they began advising their clients more than a year before the start of their time in office. Advising companies that are involved in public projects would be forbidden.

A public register would also be created that would list the MPs who could be facing a conflict of interest and presidential candidates will in the future need to declare their various financial activities and interests.

So far, Macron appears to be making good on his promise to “end nepotism and conflicts of interest” in French political life.

Voters these days demand more integrity in politics, Macron said in March, adding: “I believe in zero tolerance.”