The discussion of the bill on "separatism" became tense Wednesday in the Senate with the vote by the right-wing majority of an amendment providing for the possibility of suspending family allowances to fight against school absenteeism.
The Minister of National Education Jean-Michel Blanquer relied on the "wisdom" of the upper assembly, a position regretted on the left.
The amendment carried by Jacqueline Deromedi and signed by many LR senators, including their leader Bruno Retailleau, was voted by 210 votes for and 125 votes against.
It intends to restore the possibility of suspending family allowances and back to school, according to a "proportionate and graduated" procedure, "favoring dialogue".
"A strong signal"
For Jacques Grosperrin (LR), it is a question of giving "a strong signal".
"The first respect for the principles of the Republic is to go to the school of the Republic", he stressed.
"For my part I tend to think that it is incumbent on us to apply existing law," Blanquer said, saying he understood "the intention".
"There is one point that I share, it is respect for compulsory education", he added, before giving an opinion of "wisdom".
The amendment provoked an outcry on the left.
"I do not believe that there are lax parents or accomplices," said the former PS Minister of Families Laurence Rossignol, calling for "helping parents to be parents" and stressing that "a child who does not go not at school eat anyway ”.
"This is the kind of amendment that makes me extremely proud to be on this side of the chamber," said Eric Kerrouche (PS).
Just before, the Senate had voted, unanimously this time, an amendment of the CRCE group with a communist majority aimed at guaranteeing the educational freedom of the teacher against the opposition of the students or their families.
The Minister of National Education had asked for his withdrawal.
The upper house again voted on a government amendment relating to teacher training.
It provides that the contents of the initial training concerning "the principle of secularism" be specified by a decree of National Education and Higher Education.
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The Senate will continue on Wednesday evening the examination at first reading of the bill on respect for the principles of the Republic with the section devoted to sports.
