Tribute to Aboubakar Cissé: A Minute of Silence Held in the National Assembly Amid Political Tension

On Tuesday, April 29, a minute of silence was observed in the chamber of the French National Assembly in tribute to Aboubakar Cissé, who was fatally stabbed last Friday in a mosque in La Grand-Combe, in the Gard department. This symbolic gesture, decided at the last minute, sparked intense political debate within the Assembly.

A Last-Minute Tribute

At the start of the government’s question session, members of Parliament stood in silence to honor the victim. National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet recalled that this “cowardly” crime had shocked the nation and called for a reaffirmation of France’s unity “with strength and dignity.”

The decision to hold the tribute was not immediate. Earlier that morning, during the Conference of Presidents, the request made by the New Popular Front (a left-wing coalition) had initially been rejected based on a rule adopted in January, which states that such tributes require unanimous agreement from all group leaders. Citing this rule, Braun-Pivet initially declined the request before reversing her decision.

Strong Disagreements Between Majority and Opposition

Shortly before 3 p.m., Braun-Pivet announced via social media that the tribute would go ahead, despite opposition, notably from the far-right Rassemblement National. She justified her change of stance by invoking the “legitimate emotion” stirred by the tragedy and the need to respond “with dignity and restraint” to what she called the “appalling politicization” of the murder.

The move, welcomed by left-wing parties, nevertheless revealed deep political rifts over whether to publicly honor this act, which some view as an Islamophobic crime. According to reports, Marine Le Pen warned against the left’s alleged instrumentalization of the tribute while insisting on respect for Assembly protocols.

A Tribute That Reopens the Debate on National Mourning

Beyond partisan divisions, this moment of silence underscored the national impact of a violent act committed within a place of worship. It also reignited broader questions about how the Republic chooses to honor victims of violence. The controversy surrounding this tribute highlights the current fractures within the Assembly on matters of remembrance and public symbolism.