"Further investigation." Senate: the secrets of the upper house
The Senate, renowned for its wisdom, prefers quiet debates to violent exchanges. But in recent months, this venerable institution has been rocked by several scandals it could have done without.
A name made headlines in the fall of 2023. Joël Guerriau, a center-right senator, is suspected of drugging MP Sandrine Josso. According to medical reports, he allegedly gave her ecstasy. The elected official was indicted and no longer sits in the Chamber, but he still receives his elected official's allowance. Questioned by journalists from "Complément d'enquête," he maintains his innocence.
The team also collected previously unpublished testimonies from colleagues who claim to have been harassed and feel abandoned by the upper house. Some blame Esther Benbassa. The former Europe Ecologie-Les Verts senator was recently ordered to pay €10,000 in damages by an industrial tribunal. She has appealed, but another case threatens her. She must now respond to accusations from another colleague who has also taken the matter to the industrial tribunal. "Complément d'enquête" has obtained exclusive documents on this case.
The chairman of the ethics committee, Republican Senator Arnaud Bazin, claims that the President of the Upper House has taken "all necessary steps to ensure that these situations do not arise." However, the Senate has not officially acknowledged any cases of harassment.
"Complément d'enquête" reveals why the Upper House is accused by some senators and former colleagues of covering up matters that embarrass it.
In 2024, the expenses of elected members of the Upper House amounted to €28 million. And according to the Senate itself, barely 50% of these expenses were actually audited. With this rather lax control, some senators are taking liberties in the use of their representation expenses.
Gérard Larcher, the Republican president of the Upper House, swears that the issue of ethics is essential, but some elected officials claim that the institution prefers to "sweep matters under the carpet." A "further investigation" into the best-kept secrets of the Luxembourg Palace.
An investigation by Julien Cressens and Nils Monteil.
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