Alleged Drug Scandal: Controversially Elected MP Accused of Drugging Colleague Continues to Collect Parliamentary Remuneration
Title: A Scandalous Senate Saga: Joël Guerriau's Controversial Legacy
Byline: A deep dive into the continued fallout from the 2023 chemical spiking incident involving Senator Joël Guerriau, MoDem, accusing him of drugging and intending to sexually assault Sandrine Josso, a fellow parliamentarian.
November 2023 marked the commencement of a disquieting chapter in the Senate's history, with Guerriau, a member of the centrist-right, embroiled in this harrowing allegation. Soon after, Sandrine Josso, the accuser, submitted a complaint and drew public attention to the incident. Guerriau now faces up to five years in prison and a staggering €75,000 fine.
The Senate President, Gérard Larcher, expressed deep concern over the loss of ethics and integrity within the Senate, demanding Guerriau step down from his esteemed roles: the Secretary of the Senate Bureau and Vice-President of the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces Commission. Nevertheless, Guerriau relinquished his vice-presidency only ten months later. However, Larcher has not reached out to Sandrine Josso, according to her account.
The ongoing suspension and disciplinary process:
Guerriau's parliamentary group, Horizons, initiated a disciplinary procedure following his arrest, suspending him and vowing potentially to expel him. More than a year and a half later, Guerriau's name is still on the roster of senators in the Independents group. Efforts to contact his colleagues and the group’s leader, Claude Malhuret, have been met with silence, leaving one to wonder whether they find this topic too uncomfortable.
Senate's Inaction: A Puzzling Oversight?
Regarding Gérard Larcher, his inaction against the accused senator raises questions. Larcher maintains that only the Constitutional Council can strip a parliamentarian of their seat after a judicial decision. Though he asked Guerriau to stay away from the Senate, it appears that Guerriau has ignored this request. For nearly nineteen months, Guerriau has not set foot in the hemicycle, yet, surprisingly, he contends that he was "very well received by colleagues" lately at the Senate's bar. Guerriau further asserts that no one can bar him entry, not even Larcher, arguing that the presumption of innocence protects him. Notably, he continues to receive his parliamentary indemnity.
A further episode emerged in May 2022, when another woman accused Guerriau of abuse, though she has yet to file a formal complaint. Guerriau dismisses these allegations, describing them as desperate attempts to tarnish his reputation.
As we approach June 2025, the disciplinary procedure against Guerriau remains ongoing, amidst the twists and turns of the legal investigation, compounded by public dismay. The Senate faces growing scrutiny over its handling of such sensitive issues, leaving us to ponder what the future holds.
[1] "Senator Joël Guerriau's ongoing disciplinary proceedings: whether Guerriau's colleagues are turning a blind eye?" Complément d'enquête (28th May, 2025)[2] "Controversial senator Joël Guerriau mired in new allegations of abuse" La Depeche (14th May, 2022)
- The ongoing dispute surrounding Senator Joël Guerriau's controversial legacy in the Senate, marked by allegations of drugging and intending to sexually assault Sandrine Josso, raises queries about the Senate's policy-and-legislation on crime-and-justice, as Guerriau's disciplinary proceedings continue even amidst new allegations of abuse.
- The ongoing inaction of the Senate, particularly from Senate President Gérard Larcher, in expelling Senator Joël Guerriau despite his alleged crimes, has sparked general-news discussions about the politics and ethics within the Senate, with many questioning whether the Senate is failing to uphold justice for victims.
