What Murielle spoke about.

17

Jun

2026

Speeches FR

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Continued crackdown on civic space and fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, a free civil society is essential for any state. It acts as a safeguard against abuses of power and gives a voice to citizens. But in Burkina Faso, this voice is methodically silenced. In a few months, more than a hundred civil society organizations were dissolved, hundreds of associations suspended. Journalists and media are silenced, students arrested for criticizing the regime. This repression takes place in a significant media indifference. We must send a clear message of support to all those who, despite threats, continue to defend fundamental freedoms and democratic principles. The fight against terrorism should never be used as a pretext to silence critical voices. No lasting security can be built on the basis of fear and repression. A Europe that renounces its principles does not become stronger, it simply becomes less European. She doesn't have to choose between...

16

Jun

2026

Speeches FR

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Common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the Union (Return Regulation) (debate)

20

May

2026

Speeches FR

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Situation of women and girls in Afghanistan following the Taliban's adoption of the Criminal Procedure Code for Courts

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the new Afghan Criminal Code enshrines gender apartheid, which has been in place since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The hypocrisy of the European states, which denounce the appalling content of this penal code while discussing with the Taliban to ensure returns to this country, is purely scandalous. This penal code places less value on women than on animals: Women's voices must not be heard in public. What to say? EU leaders would do better to put so much energy into putting pressure on the Taliban to stop these violations of women’s most basic rights, rather than courting them to take back some of their nationals.

29

Apr

2026

Speeches FR

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Escalating trafficking and exploitation by criminal groups in Haiti

29

Apr

2026

Speeches FR

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Sudan’s abandoned humanitarian crisis: three years of conflict (debate)

28

Apr

2026

Speeches FR

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Situation of fundamental rights in the European Union in 2024 and 2025 (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner McGrath, ladies and gentlemen, last March the European Parliament's position on the return regulation was adopted. While the Fundamental Rights Report reminds us that migrants' rights are already being targeted in the European Union, this new text marks an unprecedented hardening: end of the right to an effective remedy, creation of return hubs outside the Union or prolonged detention. Attacks on fundamental rights, whatever they may be, are carried out by a now established alliance of the right and the far right. We Socialists and Democrats are resolutely opposed to it. The Europe we want is not one of walls, of expeditious dismissals or of trampled rights. We demand a Europe of solidarity that shoulders its responsibilities. Europe cannot be both the continent of human rights and the one that outsources its responsibility for migration to third countries, sometimes with little respect for fundamental rights. We Socialists and Democrats have another vision, that of a Europe that protects, integrates and leaves no one behind, because solidarity is not an option – it is the very foundation of our common project.

25

Mar

2026

Speeches FR

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Order of business

Madam President, I too would like to make a point, a point of order in the Rules of Procedure, under Rule 202 of the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament. I would therefore like to make this point of order concerning the Rules of Procedure, the mandate for the Return Regulation. I can only deplore the fact that we are not having a discussion on the attitude of the EPP, which is unacceptable. We cannot tolerate negotiations with the far right, as the honourable Member has said. It is incomprehensible that Parliament's position is now that of the far right on an issue as important as the return of irregular migrants.

12

Mar

2026

Speeches FR

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Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2024 (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, European Ombudsman, the Ombudsman's annual report should have been a consensus. We have negotiated at length to find compromises. Our S&D Group has played its full part in this effort to build a solid agreement between pro-European forces. But, at the decisive moment, the EPP chose another path, that of aligning itself with the extreme right. Two unacceptable amendments were supported. One attacks NGOs and their funding, while they play an essential role for democracy. The other spreads a dangerous untruth by insinuating that the lack of border control would be responsible for the deaths at sea. It is precisely this type of discourse that trivializes the theses of the extreme right in this Parliament. Let us be clear, if these amendments remain in the report, we will not be able to support them. We have sought compromise to the end. But when some choose to vote with the far right, they have to assume that they are losing the support of the Social Democrats. Our red lines are clear: defend civil society, defend the truth and reject the normalization of the far right in this Parliament.

11

Mar

2026

Speeches FR

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The arbitrary detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the junta in Niger

11

Mar

2026

Speeches FR

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Situation of the rule of law in Greece, following the Court decision on Predator spyware (debate)

11

Feb

2026

Speeches FR

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International Day of Education, fighting inequalities in access to education (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the number of school-deprived children in the world could soon reach 278 million. This is an alarming figure, as we know that education, and especially in emergencies, is often the only gateway for children to essential services such as health, protection and nutrition. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that education is a fundamental right, but also a major lever for development for individuals and societies alike. Yet millions of children are now out of school because of poverty, armed conflict or discrimination related to gender, disability or social origin. In many areas, girls are particularly affected. Even as actors such as the United States and France reduce their development aid, Europe must make a clear choice: sanctuarize funding for education, with priority given to the most vulnerable countries. Investing in education means investing in peace, stability and the future of our societies.

10

Feb

2026

Speeches FR

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Spain’s large-scale regularisation policy and its impact on the Schengen Area and EU migration policy (debate)

10

Feb

2026

Speeches FR

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Urgent need to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan and to achieve a sustainable peace (debate)

21

Jan

2026

Speeches FR

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Case of Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, for over a year and a half, Joseph Figueira Martin, a Belgian-Portuguese aid worker, has been arbitrarily detained in the Central African Republic. He must be released. In May 2024, he was abducted by the Wagner Group. Since then, he has been tortured, threatened with death and kept in inhuman and degrading conditions. He did not have access to due process of law or to the urgent medical care that his state of health requires. This detention is illegal. It is a flagrant violation of its human rights and international law. Joseph Figueira Martin is unfortunately not an isolated case. In recent years, the number of humanitarian workers injured, killed or abducted has reached catastrophic levels around the world. Those who protect, care for and accompany civilian populations become targets themselves. We have a clear political responsibility: do not leave those who risk their lives alone to save others. The protection of European nationals and humanitarian workers must be a top priority of the European Union, in all circumstances, without ambiguity and without delay. That is why I call for the mobilisation of all available diplomatic, political and legal levers in order to obtain from the Central African authorities the immediate and unconditional release of Joseph Figueira Martin. And once he is released – as he must be – it will be equally essential to demand justice and accountability for the arbitrary detention, torture and inhuman treatment he has suffered. We can't look away. We simply cannot abandon Joseph Figueira Martin and his family, nor all those on the ground who continue to save lives.

21

Jan

2026

Speeches FR

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Restoring control of migration: returns, visa policy and third-country cooperation (topical debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, here we are in this Chamber for yet another debate on migration. The title of this debate suggests that migration is out of control, which is a lie – a lie cleverly orchestrated by the right and far right. Currently, the number of irregular arrivals into the EU has never been lower since 2021. But this rhetoric keeps fear alive and justifies ever more restrictive public policies. They generate self-reliance and mistrust. This of course applies to our return policy for irregular migrants. If it is to be improved, it must be done with respect for human rights. We can never repeat it enough: Let us stop the stigmatization of migrants and their instrumentalization for purely political purposes. It is also understood in this Chamber that the conditioning of development aid must be linked to the cooperation of third countries on migration. It is to make it a tool of domestic policy, control and not solidarity, and it is always the most vulnerable people who pay the most.

17

Dec

2025

Speeches FR

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Grave political situation in Guinea-Bissau after the coup of 26 November

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the situation in Guinea-Bissau is extremely worrying; It calls for an immediate international response. Today, the priority is above all to protect the population. This population is very vulnerable, as Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in the world. There is no justification for the excessive use of force against civilians, and we denounce the violent crackdown on activists, journalists, human rights defenders and civil society actors. Intimidation, censorship and persecution must stop immediately, and human rights violations must be thoroughly and independently investigated. But for now, political instability must end and the rule of law must be restored, starting with the immediate publication of the results of the 23 November elections. Together with the Socialist and Democratic Group, we call for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and the release of those arbitrarily arrested in this context.

17

Dec

2025

Speeches FR

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Mass kidnapping of children in Nigeria, including from St Mary's Catholic school in Papiri

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, last month we were already talking in this Chamber about the abduction of pupils in Nigeria. Here we are again today, when a new tragedy struck the country. I lack words to describe anger, misunderstanding, but also tiredness in the face of the repetition of these crimes, in the face of the disappearance of innocent children. Instead of threatening Nigeria with military intervention, the US president would do better to restore development aid funds, which allow the people of that country to be supported and to avoid the spiral of ‘precarisation, poverty, violence’. There is no silver bullet to Nigeria’s complex problems, but it is certainly not martial postures and hate speech – which can be heard here – that will solve them.

26

Nov

2025

Speeches FR

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Organisational mismanagement of the European personnel selection office (EPSO) competitions (short presentation)

26

Nov

2025

Speeches FR

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The situation of Christian communities and religious minorities in Nigeria and the Middle East, and Europe’s responsibility to protect them and guarantee freedom of conscience (topical debate)

25

Nov

2025

Speeches FR

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Escalation of the war and the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan (continuation of debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the humanitarian disaster in Sudan is getting worse and worse. Every day, more atrocities are committed against civilians: murders, mass executions, sexual and gender-based violence, ethnic cleansing. We must clearly name the facts. This systematic violence is unsustainable. It is a war crime. All perpetrators must be held accountable and brought to justice, without exception. We know that these atrocities were facilitated by the continued support of the United Arab Emirates to the Rapid Support Forces. This support, but also the less visible intervention of other countries, widely documented, directly feeds the war. It perpetuates a cycle of endless violence. As long as foreign sponsors continue to arm the belligerents, no peace will be possible and violence will only increase. The European Union must be intransigent vis-à-vis these authors. Their quest for international legitimacy is an essential lever that the Union must use to end the war in Sudan.

21

Oct

2025

Speeches FR

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Renewing the EU-Africa Partnership: building common priorities ahead of the Angola Summit (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the seventh European Union-African Union Summit is being held in Luanda, Angola, on 24 and 25 November. It marks the 25th anniversary of the partnership between our two continents and comes at a pivotal moment. While the United States has suspended some of its aid to the populations of the most vulnerable African countries, the European Union must live up to it more than ever. It must be a reliable, supportive and predictable partner for all African countries. This partnership, which is a priority for European socialists, must be truly balanced, based on reciprocity and common values. Together, we must fight breaches of the rule of law and democracy, violence, inequalities and disparities in education. More than ever, strengthening our cooperation in key areas such as peace, health, the green and digital transition and human development is essential. I am convinced that together we can address global challenges and create shared opportunities for a more just and sustainable common future, without miserabilism, simply as equals in a changing world.

8

Oct

2025

Speeches FR

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Humanitarian and security situation in Haiti, in particular the rising power of criminal gangs and the recent massacre in Cabaret

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, there are appalling situations for which words are lacking, and Haiti is one of them. How can we describe the extreme violence that led to the Cabaret massacre? How can we describe the atrocious circumstances in which dozens of innocent people, including children, have died? But it is not because we lack words that we must remain silent and, above all, remain passive. The EU has the means to act. It can push to stop this cycle of violence, help a just transition and prosecute criminals to finally break impunity. I am delighted that Haiti is on the agenda of this plenary session and that our Parliament is adopting a resolution on the dramatic situation in that country. This is an important and expected signal, but this resolution must be up to par and followed by concrete action. The European Union must engage concretely with the Haitian people, because there is no inevitability, there are only political renunciations that I refuse to resolve.

9

Jul

2025

Speeches FR

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Outcome of the Conference on the Financing for Development in Seville (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, Minister, a few days ago the United States Federal Agency for International Assistance ceased to exist. According to a recent study, 14 million people could die of hunger and disease within five years due to lack of support. A startling number. And yet, while the urgency is obvious, some European Member States, including France, are also reducing their commitments. In this Chamber, the preparatory text for the Seville conference was rejected by a now well-established alliance between the right and the far right. Meanwhile, the climate, health and geopolitical crises are accumulating, famine is on the rise, the debt that is strangling the poorest countries is at a critical level, and the most vulnerable, women, children and refugees, are paying the high price. We have five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. So let us not sacrifice our historical responsibility and demand an ambitious, predictable and up-to-date European budget.

18

Jun

2025

Speeches FR

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Rise in violence and the deepening humanitarian crisis in South Sudan (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, South Sudan is once again in a critical situation. Imagine for a moment more than 165,000 displaced people in just three months. The 2018 peace agreement is faltering again. Violence is escalating and political tensions are escalating in the run-up to the elections. It's always the same people who pay the price, the civilians. People are suffering and we know the consequences: famines, epidemics, displacement, sexual violence. And where will the populations go in territories already in great difficulty? The European Union must rise to the occasion. We need to secure humanitarian corridors and protect civilians, especially women and children, who are often the first victims of violence. Finally, every effort must be made to achieve real and lasting peace. Commissioner, let us act now and with courage and compassion so that South Sudan is not engulfed in a new hell of violence and famine.

2

Apr

2025

Speeches FR

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Delivering on the EU Roma Strategy and the fight against discrimination in the EU (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, 16 September 2021, 7.59 a.m. Doesn't that date mean anything to you? For the mayor I was at the time, it was the date of the eviction from a Roma camp in my city. In three expressions: social distress, lack of humanity, indifference of the French state. That is why I am delighted that the European institutions are putting the situation of the Roma back on the agenda. In recent years, discrimination against them has been ignored, while in the past many initiatives have led to positive developments. One piece of data, in my opinion, illustrates the scale of the problem: 80% of Roma live below the poverty line. This is intolerable. The European Commission must be firm with those Member States that do not want to do anything or use fallacious arguments to evade their obligations in this area. The Commission has proposed minimum targets for 2030, i.e. tomorrow. There is urgency in all areas: education, housing, employment, health. Although it no longer seems very fashionable to support minorities, the EU must show that it is founded on values of solidarity towards all its citizens, without exception.