In the Bourbon Palace's House of Representatives, Gallieni stood quietly on the podium, awaiting the questioning from the deputies.
The parliamentary questioning system was established in 1869. The French Constitution stipulates that any deputy can consider themselves entitled to question a minister or an official. The latter has the right to adopt a stance they deem appropriate: answer or not answer.
This is considered a means for the parliament to supervise the government's work.
Those being questioned hardly have the right to 'not answer,' otherwise, they would likely lose their position. Just like during an interview, you have the right to remain silent, but the other party has the right not to hire you.
Gallieni might be an exception. As a capable general who turned the tide of war, he could completely ignore the deputies' questioning. No one dared or could remove him from his position. Even hinting at retirement could scare the deputies half to death.
