The debate on the end of life faces a temporarily calm National Assembly

Olivier Falorni and Christophe Bentz have little in common other than their status as MPs. The former, a Democrat elected to the Charente-Maritime legislature, has been a fervent advocate of "assisted dying" for several years. The latter, a representative of the Haute-Marne region and the National Rally (RN), is fiercely opposed to it.

And yet, on Friday, May 16, around 10 p.m., when Christophe Bentz took the floor in the Chamber to give his point of view on this important social issue, he first greeted his colleague, the general rapporteur of the bill on the end of life. He praised his work and " the tireless fighter" that he is and whom he sees as a "political adversary" and not as an "enemy." A few minutes later, in the same spirit, Olivier Falorni thanked his counterpart for his remarks. "However, I believe that there is no one more opposed than us. I believe that we agree on almost nothing on this subject," the centrist MP said, pleased that dialogue could still take place.

Reflecting this exchange, the National Assembly has presented a strangely calm face since Monday, May 12th, and the return of discussions on end-of-life legislation. Far from the antics, the controversies, and the invectives, the subject is being taken seriously. The pace remains rather slow, slowed by numerous amendments to the legislation, a breakup of groups, and therefore the number of speeches. But the debates are progressing well. The deputies are almost slightly ahead of the initial schedule.

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