Maud Bregeon describes LFI's relationship with the press as "totalitarian and conspiracy-minded"
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon criticized La France insoumise's (LFI) approach to the press, calling it totalitarian following the exclusion of traditional media from a press conference by Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
Maud Bregeon, the spokesperson for the French government, has publicly condemned the relationship that La France insoumise (LFI), led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, has with the press. She termed this relationship as "totalitarian and conspiracy-minded," highlighting a recent incident where Mélenchon excluded mainstream media from a press conference, stating that their editorial line did not align with his. Bregeon emphasized that such actions are extremely serious as they undermine the principles of media freedom and inclusivity.
In her remarks during the Cabinet meeting, Bregeon also denounced comments made by Sophia Chikirou, an LFI candidate for the Paris mayoral election, who referred to certain journalists as "little Nazis." Bregeon called these remarks an "absolute shame," underscoring the growing tensions between the government and LFI over their treatment of the media. Her statements reflect broader concerns regarding accountability and the integrity of political discourse in France.
This confrontation comes against a backdrop of increasing polarization in French politics, where parties have taken more extreme stances, particularly with regard to media and public opinion. Bregeon's pointed critique may indicate governmental efforts to reaffirm support for a free press and to challenge narratives being promoted by opposition figures like Mélenchon. This incident raises significant questions about the interaction between political movements and the media in contemporary France, as well as the role of accountability in maintaining democratic norms.