It is whispered under the gilded ceilings of the Palais du Luxembourg that a slight breeze is causing a stir in the venerable Upper House. The reason? A somewhat… princely order. According to information from Le Canard enchaîné, Gérard Larcher, President of the Senate, allegedly ordered a chair costing 40,000 euros excluding taxes. Yes, you read that right: not a Ferrari, not a yacht, but a chair — or rather a throne gilded with fine gold, if the commotion it caused is to be believed.
When a chair becomes a political star
What was supposed to be a simple matter of furniture renewal has turned into a real senatorial soap opera. The existing chair, already quite worn out from multiple sessions, finally gave up the ghost. Apparently, neither the Mobilier national nor a bit of elbow grease could save it. Result: Mr. Larcher pulled out all the stops. One could almost hear him declare: "Give me a seat worthy of my position… and my posterior!"
This new throne, custom-made (in handpicked oak?), is expected to make its entrance in the spring, accompanied by its understudy — just in case the main one is under maintenance or, who knows, in the middle of an osteopathy session.
A great silence… and big questions
The Senate confirms the acquisition but remains as silent as a grave about the final bill. The naysayers (or the more humorous ones) are having a field day: "At that price, we hope the chair makes coffee, massages feet, and sings the Marseillaise at tea time!" Irony aside, one wonders: was it really necessary to empty (a bit more) the Republic’s wallet for a piece of furniture, even if it is imperial?
A controversy that grates… and amuses
Needless to say, this extraordinary order is causing a stir among the public. On social media, memes are flying. Some even mention a remake of Montaigne’s famous quote: "On the highest throne in the world, we are still sitting on our…" well, you know the rest. But this time, they add: "…at 40,000 euros a piece, please!"
For his part, Gérard Larcher, a distinguished gentleman who has already faced other controversies, remains calm and collected. After all, it’s in his chair that he’s best equipped to handle criticism.
A symbol that stings in the midst of budgetary sobriety
Beyond the flashy sum, this affair rekindles an already well-lit flame: that of the difficult justification of certain public expenditures. It seems the watchword is "sobriety". However, a question arises. How does a 40,000-euro seat fit into this equation? Some see it as a symbol – that of an outdated luxury that politics dares not admit but does not shy away from flaunting.
It remains to be seen whether this gold-priced chair will soon be nicknamed "Larcher’s throne" or if, once delivered, it will fall into oblivion… until it needs to be changed or sent to the antique dealer again.
And now?
Rumors suggest that the chair might arrive accompanied by a matching stool, to extend the sense of prestige (and perhaps inflate the bill a bit more, who knows?). The vice-presidents will have the right to occasionally rest their behinds on it — sharing is caring in the Senate!
In any case, this new expense has made a lot of noise, and not just in the hushed corridors of the Palace. At this rate, there’s no doubt that this story will soon feature in the pantheon of the most unusual political anecdotes. For a piece of furniture meant to embody republican stability, it has already shaken quite a few certainties.
On that note, hats off to Mr. Larcher, who has the merit of proving that politics doesn’t need a jet ski or a helicopter to go off the rails: a chair is enough. Attention design furniture enthusiasts, you never know, the Senate might soon launch a sale!
