Calls for French MP's resignation after being caught buying drugs 

An MP belonging to the far-left La France Insoumise (LFI) party has apologised after being caught buying drugs from a dealer in Paris. 

Andy Kerbrat, 34, was caught buying 1.35g of 3-MMC, a synthetic drug that provides highs similar to cocaine and ecstasy and an increase to a user’s libido, after police officers spotted a suspicious interaction between two individuals. 

He bought the drugs from a minor, who is already known to authorities for around a dozen other infractions. 

The Nantes MP, first elected in 2022 said he “fully accepts responsibility” for his actions and “places himself at the disposal of the courts,” in a press release posted on social media.

In addition, he has begun treatment for a drug addiction, which he says he suffers from due to “personal problems” and psychological fragility.” 

Can he remain an MP? 

French MPs cannot usually be arrested on the spot by police officers as they have a strong form of parliamentary immunity and inviolability, but criminal proceedings can be brought against them, as is the case for Mr Kerbrat. 

He will undergo trial for ‘pour usage de stupéfiants’ (drug use), with his first hearing set to be given as soon as possible after criminal summons were issued.

This can lead to a fine of €3,750, and up to one year in prison for those found guilty, although a prison sentence in this case is unlikely.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has called for the MP to step down, saying “A Member of Parliament has a duty to set an example,” to the nation on social media page X (formerly Twitter).

He also added that the MP “must face the consequences of his actions.”

Condemnation and support 

Other members of the government have agreed with the Interior Minister. 

“Consuming drugs not only destroys your health, it also feeds criminal networks,” said Secretary of State Laurence Garnier, as quoted in French media outlet BFMTV.

“Out of respect for the people of Nantes who have placed their trust in him, and to devote all his energy to his necessary recovery, he should resign his mandate,” he added

“When you've been arrested by the police for buying drugs, you no longer have a place in the Assemblée nationale. Everyone is making excuses for him. If I were him, I'd take responsibility,” said Pieyre-Alexandre Anglade, a centrist MP.

Some left-wing MPs have supported Mr Kerbrat, however, and want to see the case highlight the issues surrounding drug addiction and the support systems in place for addicts in France. 

“Drug use and addiction are issues of care, mental health and support,” said Green MP Sandrine Rousseau, to BFMTV. 

“[Mr Kerbrat has] recognised this, and is on a treatment programme. Come back to [to the left-wing alliance in the chamber] in good shape,” she added. 

Head of the LFI in the Assemblée nationale Mathilde Panot wished the MP well in his recovery, and hoped he would be able to resume parliamentary duties soon.

In addition, Green senator Mélanie Vogel wished the MP “good luck on the road to treatment” and said she regretted French drug policy was “focused on repression rather than the essential thing: treatment.” 

It was not just from the left of the political spectrum that voices came out in support of Mr Kerbrat. 

“A person suffering from addiction should not be treated like a criminal and humiliated in front of everyone… penalising drug users is a dead end,” said Denis Masséglia, an MP from president Emmanuel Macron’s centrist party.

“[The Rassemblement National] does not attack people personally, particularly in this situation,” said Thomas Ménagé, the far-right party’s spokesperson in the Assemblée nationale. 

However he added that left-wing MPs “tend to attack their political opponents on personal grounds… Those who give lessons are caught at their own game.” 

Read more: Drug use in France surges to record high