An investigation has been launched into claims that several journalists and activists in France have had their bank accounts closed without clear explanation. The affected individuals, including members of the National Rally (RN) party, allege that these closures are politically motivated.
Four RN members of parliament—Stéphane Rambaud, Jean-Philippe Tanguy, Franck Allisio, and Thomas Ménagé—reported that their bank accounts were terminated shortly after their election in 2022. They suggest that their affiliation with the RN, a right-wing political party, may have influenced these actions.
This situation is part of a broader pattern where individuals and organizations associated with the national right have faced similar challenges. For instance, Alice Cordier, chair of the identitarian feminist collective Némésis, has reported multiple arbitrary account closures affecting both her personally and her organization. Such incidents have raised concerns about potential political discrimination within the banking sector.
In response to these issues, a proposal to prevent unjust bank account closures is under consideration in the French parliament. The proposed legislation aims to require banks to provide written justification for account terminations, thereby enhancing transparency and protecting individuals from arbitrary actions.
The investigation into these alleged arbitrary closures is ongoing, with authorities examining the extent and causes of such actions. The outcome may lead to regulatory changes within the banking sector to ensure fair treatment for all clients, regardless of their political affiliations.