New reception pavilion for the National Assembly: Paris's favorable opinion reignites the controversy

The National Assembly wishes to replace the current pavilion adjoining the Palais Bourbon with a new building designed to better accommodate the growing number of visitors. An initial building permit application was submitted in 2025, before the project was suspended pending authorization to excavate beneath one of the courtyards.

Located in a Parisian district with protected architectural heritage, the project must obtain several approvals from the State, the City of Paris, and the Architects of the Buildings of France. A new building permit will then have to be submitted.

The opinion of the City of Paris does not constitute authorization

In mid-July, the City of Paris issued a favorable opinion on the modification of the relevant urban planning regulations.

"A step in this procedure," which must continue for several more months, and not "planning permission or final validation of the architectural project." specifies the City of Paris.

National Rally elected officials are calling for a new vote

National Rally MP Sébastien Chenu, who has opposed the project since its announcement, has asked, in a joint statement with RN MP Hélène Laporte, that the National Assembly bureau vote again.

The project is "questionable and irrelevant", Sébastien Chenu and Hélène Laporte believe.

The entourage of the president of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, points out that the project was unanimously approved in September 2024.

"All groups approved this project since they were all represented on the board" during the vote. defends Yaël Braun-Pivet's entourage.

A petition has gathered 90.000 signatures.

The architecture of the future building and the demolition of the existing pavilion have drawn criticism since the project was presented. In 2025, the Sites & Monuments association launched a petition against the project.

The association denounces a "The disfigurement of Paris."

This petition had gathered 90.000 signatures by Friday.

"The National Assembly is in contact with state and City of Paris services to adapt the project to their requirements," whether aesthetic, climatic, or related to heritage. "We will comply with everything." Yaël Braun-Pivet's entourage confirmed to AFP.

A project estimated at 53 million euros

The announced cost of 53 million euros is also fueling criticism.

The works are "self-financed" thanks to the reserves of the National Assembly and the expenses already incurred to carry out the accessibility studies were "necessary in any case and will be used", says Yaël Braun-Pivet's entourage.