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Lobbying in France

Similar to other European nations, France too, does not have any formal rules or regulations with respect to regulating lobbying activity. Furthermore, there is no ethical code for lobbyists in the French assembly. And there is no list or register of lobbyists, interests groups or any other similar parties related to lobbying activity in France. Nonetheless, there is one formal provision in concurrence with Article 26(1) of the general directives of the bureau of the National Assembly. 

The provision states that individuals presented with special cards issued by the President or the Quaestors (a body of senior regulation of lobbyists) may have access to the ‘Salon de la Paix’. The ‘Salon de la Paix’ is a chamber where periodic debates are conducted with Members of the Chamber and invited guests. Debates are based on contemporary issues.

Lobbying in the National Assembly
In all, there are approximately 20 public affairs representatives in France. Some are large public firms and few are institutional bodies and other agencies representing professional organizations. But, other lobbyists can also establish a dialogue within the National Assembly, however, only at the request of one or more deputies. Thus, the voice of many large private companies or professional and trade union organizations is put forth in the National Assembly.

Article 79 states that Deputies may use their position and status solely for the purposes of performing public duties and nothing else. Furthermore, any direct relationship with an association or an interest group defending private interests in forbidden.

Lobbying in the Senate
As mentioned earlier, there is no registration of lobbying groups or other interest groups in France, including the French Senate. So, lobbying groups that want to communicate with the Senate have to first apply to the Senate’s Presidency. Thereafter the request is forwarded to the General Secretariat of the Senate Presidency. Subsequently; depending on the importance and the representative of the interest group, the presidency may or may not authorize access to the Palais (Seat of the Senate) along with the corridors of the Salle des Séances (the Chamber).  

Some of the prominent interest groups in France are as follows: 

Chambre des notaires, Assemblée permanente des Chambres d’agriculture, Electricité de France, Gaz de France, etc.

The number of lobbyists and the extent of lobbying activity in France is considerably lesser than other nations. This is one of the reasons as to why there is no formal code of conduct. However, any lobbyist whose acts are deemed unlawful or contrary to regular procedure can be subject to disciplinary action whereby the lobbyist is declared ‘persona non grata’ upon the Senators’ request. 

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