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Yaël Braun-Pivet at HEC Paris: Reviving Democratic Debate

On February 3, 2026, at the HEC Paris campus, invited by HEC Débats, Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly, shared her vision of parliamentary debate, civic engagement, and reforms to restore democratic trust. 

82 minutes
Key findings
  • Politics is not reserved for an elite: everyone can “take their place,” regardless of background, age, or origin. 
  • Presiding over the Assembly means both arbitrating and acting: upholding the rules of debate while advancing convictions and priorities. 
  • In times of crisis (dissolution, Article 49.3), keeping institutions functioning is essential to prevent democratic deadlock—even under intense pressure. 
  • Re-engaging citizens requires better understanding of institutions, greater participation (consultations/referendums), and a more representative Assembly (proportional representation)

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