French National Assembly Rejects Public Broadcasting Reform Bill Amid Strikes and Protests
The French National Assembly has rejected a public broadcasting reform bill proposed by Culture Minister Rachida Dati amid widespread public sector strikes and protests.
Key Points
- • The National Assembly rejected the reform bill with a vote of 94 to 38.
- • Support for the rejection came from the National Rally party alongside left factions.
- • 67% of Radio France journalists participated in strikes disrupting broadcasts.
- • Protests occurred in Paris, with hundreds marching against the proposed reforms.
In a decisive vote, the French National Assembly has rejected Culture Minister Rachida Dati's proposed law aimed at reforming public broadcasting. The motion to dismiss the bill, which sought to create a holding company for France Télévisions, Radio France, and the National Audiovisual Institute (INA), was overwhelmingly supported by 94 votes to 38. Notably, the rejection gained unexpected backing from members of the National Rally party, aligning with leftist factions to oppose the reforms (9034).
The rejection comes amidst significant unrest within the public broadcasting sector. Employees have been on strike for five days, notably affecting services at Radio France, where approximately 67% of journalists participated in the walkout, according to the National Union of Journalists (SNJ). Protests also erupted across France, with hundreds demonstrating in Paris against the proposed changes, marching from the Ministry of Culture to the National Assembly (9034).