The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters The French Far Left Is Getting More Radicalised | Interview with Raphaël Paillot
9 snips
Mar 11, 2026 Raphaël Paillot, a French commentator and writer on X and Substack, discusses the murder of Quentin Deranque and a surge in far-left political violence in France. He traces the attack’s origins at a university event. He explains ties between militant groups and parliamentary figures. He outlines public reactions, media framing, and possible political consequences ahead of upcoming elections.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Quentin Was Ambushed And Fatally Beaten After A Campus Speech
- Raphaël Paillot recounted the attack after a speech at Sciences Po where Nemesis protesters were protected by a group; Quentin was trapped and beaten with repeated blows to the head.
- He was brain dead within hours, sent to hospital, and died two days later after sustained head trauma during the street ambush.
Antifa Group Transitioned Into Institutional Ally
- Raphaël links La Jeune Garde's 2018 founding to an unprecedented institutional alliance between Antifa and La France Insoumise when its founder became an MP.
- That fusion formalised a public-relations style Antifa willing to coordinate with parliamentary actors and claim legitimacy.
Attackers Had Direct Links To An MP's Staff
- Three attackers involved in Quentin's killing had direct ties as current or recent assistants to an MP from La France Insoumise.
- Two were registered as parliamentary assistants and one had just ended his contract, revealing close links between elected officials and the assailants.