Republican Right Deputies Back Down From Party Funding Protest
PARIS – A potential financial crisis for Les Républicains (LR) party has been averted as nearly all deputies from the Republican Right (DR) group in the National Assembly submitted their annual party affiliation forms by the November 30th deadline, despite earlier signals of widespread protest. the forms, which trigger a €37,000 contribution per deputy, were crucial for a party currently burdened with €8.35 million in debt.
Initially, reports indicated that fewer than fifteen of the 49 DR deputies had returned the required paperwork, raising concerns about a significant shortfall in funding. Though,a party executive confirmed to Le Monde that ultimately only four deputies remained unattached. While the names of those four have not been released, the near-complete compliance marks a retreat from earlier threats of withholding funds to express discontent with party leadership.
The delay in submissions wasn’t merely administrative. It stemmed from growing frustration among deputies regarding what they perceived as a lack of respect from LR’s leadership, headed by President Bruno Retailleau. Pierre Cordier, the elected official from the Ardennes, explained, “I connected by asking Bruno [Retailleau] respect for deputies from senators and party officials, which was not the case in October.”
The situation highlights ongoing tensions within the party and the delicate balance between individual deputy autonomy and the financial needs of the broader political organization. the annual “attachment” process, while routine, has become a focal point for expressing internal disagreements within Les Républicains.
