Senate's Response to Alleged Harassment Cases: Examining the Prevailing Code of Silence
In 2023, a shocking incident unfolded within France's Senate, casting a dark shadow over an institution notorious for its resistance to change. Senator Esther Benbassa, then a member of Europe Ecology-Les Verts, was found guilty of harassing a colleague by the Senate's ethics committee. However, her punishment was swiftly disregarded by the highest authorities of the Senate. This left many questioning the institution's intention to tackle such issues head-on or if they were once again sweeping them under the rug.
"C'mon, what the bloody hell is this omertà [secret code] the Senate's Got going on? Why this Mafia-style silence? The Senate ain't some goddamn backwater town, it's part of society!"
As the dust settled, labor courts had no qualms about compelling Benbassa to pay 10,000 euros in damages and interest for her misconduct. However, her appeal is ongoing, and another former colleague has also filed a complaint against her with the labor court.
In an obtained recording of a conversation between Benbassa and the colleague she allegedly harassed, she demanded the colleague postpone a scheduled surgery for a pneumothorax recurrence by several months. During their conversation, Benbassa escalated her threats: "I could still scrap your permanent contract today," or "You're just one of dozens. Dozens who can't write a bloody letter and don't deserve to be in the Senate!" When contacted, Benbassa snubbed "Investigative Supplement"'s questions.
Simultaneously, two of Benbassa's aides claimed they too had been harassed by her. They reported messages that "[attacked] their integrity, dignity, sexual preferences, their way of dressing, etc." which made them "fucking furious." The elected official said she wrote to the president of the Senate, Gérard Larcher, about this "[grave matter], expecting a response... that never fucking came." Larcher chose not to answer "Investigative Supplement"'s questions regarding the matter.
Excerpt from "Senate: The Hidden Secrets of the Upper Chamber", to be seen in "Investigative Supplement" on June 19, 2025.
If you're curious about specific dates, official statements, or further details, don't hesitate to ask!
"Current events highlight a concerning lack of accountability within the European Union's policy-and-legislation sphere, as seen in the Senate's handling of sexual harassment allegations against Senator Esther Benbassa. This incident raises questions about the institution's commitment to addressing crime-and-justice issues and its adherence to general-news standards of transparency."
"Given the escalating allegations against Benbassa, and the apparent indifference shown by those in power, it is crucial for the French politics system to address these issues at the highest level to maintain public trust and uphold justice."
