Eric Ciotti Proposes Law to Amend Provisional Execution in Eligibility Cases
Proposal aims to safeguard the fundamental right to eligibility following recent political sanctions.
Eric Ciotti, a notable figure in French politics, has submitted a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the provisional execution of ineligibility in cases involving political representatives.
This action comes in response to the recent five-year ineligibility ruling against Marine Le Pen, stemming from her involvement in the parliamentary assistants scandal linked to the National Front (FN).
Ciotti, together with fellow members of the UDR group in the National Assembly, introduced the bill under the title 'to protect the effectiveness of the fundamental right to eligibility.'
The proposal expresses concern over the potential for unjust penalties against elected officials, citing the cases of mayors from Var's two largest cities who face judicial sanctions without access to appeal or cassation.
Ciotti asserts that provisional execution in eligibility matters infringes upon the right to election—a fundamental principle enshrined in Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
He refers to a recent decision by the Constitutional Council which echoes this sentiment, stating that the application of provisional execution can be likened to a form of 'political death penalty.'
Although acknowledging the principle of ineligibility for convicted officials, Ciotti emphasizes the necessity for them to retain the same rights as any other citizen to appeal their sentences.
His stance does not seek to shield convicted officials per se but rather to prevent their convictions from serving as politically motivated sanctions with severe implications.
The proposal has been partially provoked by the judicial repercussions faced by prominent political figures, including Le Pen, whose recent conviction over what Ciotti describes as an administrative error—not personal enrichment—could hinder her candidacy despite her strong position in polling.
He describes this situation as a significant democratic scandal.
The legislative proposal is scheduled for discussion in the National Assembly on June 27, where it will be part of a parliamentary initiative day hosted by the UDR group.
This event will also address several other resolutions and proposals, including calls for the repeal of agreements with Algeria from 1968 and measures pertaining to marital regulations for individuals under an OQTF (Obligation to Leave French Territory).
Ciotti has expressed hope that the bill will garner support from various political factions, pointing out previous endorsements from key political leaders, including the Prime Minister, prior to Le Pen's sentencing.
However, he has expressed concerns that political considerations may outweigh the democratic principles at stake.