During a campaign meeting for the upcoming municipal elections in Lyon, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of the France Insoumise party and a seasoned presidential candidate, launched a fervent critique against traditional media outlets he referred to as the 'old, indignant press.' His remarks were particularly pointed towards BFMTV, AFP, and Le Figaro, with Mélenchon expressing his demand for the media to 'leave him alone.' This outburst appears to be a continuation of his strained relationship with the media, which has intensified following recent events surrounding the death of nationalist activist Quentin Deranque.

Mélenchon’s attack lasted over an hour and reflected his ongoing dissatisfaction with conventional journalism's portrayal of his political campaign and ideologies. He has consistently accused the media of bias and misrepresentation, labeling them derogatorily as 'croûtons' while voicing his desire for a new journalistic paradigm that better represents his vision. The meeting also served to support Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi, his party’s candidate in Lyon, underscoring his broader electoral strategy to unify and reinforce party support at the municipal level.

This confrontation with the media underscores a significant aspect of Mélenchon's political strategy, where he positions himself as an alternative to mainstream political figures, rallying his base by appealing to sentiments of anti-establishment and media skepticism. As France heads towards the municipal elections, such statements may resonate with voters who feel disenfranchised by traditional political narratives. Mélenchon’s rhetoric represents not only a personal grievance but also a broader critique of the media's role in shaping public perception of political discourse.