"I have the right, when I come to a debate that fascinates all consciences to say all my thoughts, I have the right to ask that their expression not be disturbed by continual and systematic interruptions
", exclaimed Jean Jaurès on January 22, 1898.
In the middle of the Dreyfus affair, covered with insults, the leader of the extreme left demanded as a right and a safeguard the respect of the orator.
Shortly after, he was boxed in the gallery by a royalist and the session ended in a general fight...
This episode shows us the violence of the debates of the past. It also reminds us that at that time, verbal or physical violence came first from the enemies of the Republic, who considered the frameworks of parliamentary debate illegitimate and derisory.
To read alsoGuillaume Tabard: "Balloon with the effigy of Olivier Dussopt, the appalling staging"
Between Republicans, on the contrary, we had a taste for discussion and the same Jaurès, spiritually shaken up by Clemenceau, knew how to reply to him brilliantly, on June 19, 1906: “Gentlemen, I am going up
to this podium all bristling…
This article is for subscribers only.
You have 80% left to discover.
Want to read more?
Unlock all items immediately.
Without engagement.
TEST FOR €0.99
Already subscribed?
Login
