interpellér

Interpellér is a French verb that translates to "to question," "to challenge," or "to address" someone formally. In a political context, particularly in parliamentary systems, it refers to a formal procedure by which a member of parliament can question a government minister or a government representative on a specific matter. This questioning is often intended to elicit information, clarify policy, or hold the government accountable for its actions.

The process of interpellation can vary slightly depending on the specific parliamentary rules of a country, but generally, a member of parliament submits a written request for an interpellation, outlining the topic they wish to address. This request is then considered by the relevant parliamentary body, and if accepted, a date and time for the interpellation is scheduled. During the interpellation, the member asks their questions, and the minister or representative is expected to provide a response. Following the response, there may be a debate or further questions.

The purpose of interpellation is to ensure transparency and accountability within the government. It allows elected representatives to directly engage with the executive branch, scrutinizing its decisions and policies. This mechanism is considered an important tool for democratic oversight, enabling citizens, through their representatives, to stay informed about governmental activities and to voice concerns. While the term itself is French, the concept of formally questioning government officials within a legislative body exists in various forms across many parliamentary democracies.