Jacobin Radio Long Reads: Decoding the French Left w/ Sebastian Budgen (Part 2)
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Apr 24, 2026 Sébastien Boudgin, senior editor at Verso and analyst of French politics, walks through recent clashes around the far right, media campaigns targeting La France Insoumise, and local anti‑fascist organizing in cities like Lyon. He breaks down municipal election mechanics, LFI’s mixed gains, legal pressures on activists, and the tactical dynamics that could shape the 2027 presidential race.
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Lyon Provocation Led To Fatal Street Clash
- In Lyon a far‑right provocation group called Nemesis organized a demonstration to bait anti‑fascists into a street clash around an event with MEP Rima Hassan.
- The clash left far‑right activist Quentin Deraque mortally wounded after a trap and retreat by fascist attackers.
Death Used To Recast Anti‑Fascists As Real Fascists
- After Quentin Deraque's death a narrative emerged equating anti‑fascism with fascism, portraying La France Insoumise as responsible for violence.
- Boudgin calls this a deliberate campaign using media theatrics like memorials and selective interviews to legitimize the far right.
Stand Firm Publicly While Condemning Violence
- Do not concede political space when under media assault; La France Insoumise publicly defended anti‑fascists while condemning murder and refused to be intimidated.
- Mélenchon framed support as defending comrades and popular self‑defense rather than endorsing violence.