Macron hardens attack on 'far-left' LFI, says antisemitic rhetoric must be tackled
Emmanuel Macron stepped up his criticism of France Unbowed (LFI), linking the leftist party’s stance to broader concerns about antisemitism in public life.
Issued on: 15/02/2026 - RFI
Protesters pictured waving France Unbowed flags at a demonstration at Place Bellecour in Lyon, central-eastern France on 10 January 2026. AFP - OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE
French President Emmanuel Macron has described France Unbowed (LFI) as a far-left movement in which “antisemitic expressions” are emerging and “must be combated”, in an interview with Radio J – a Paris-based radio station aimed at France’s Jewish community – that has reignited tensions with the opposition party.
“I think it’s no secret that they are on the far left,” Macron said in the interview, recorded on Friday and published on Sunday. The classification mirrors a recent decision by the interior ministry – one strongly disputed by LFI.
“I note that in the positions they take, particularly on antisemitism, they contravene the fundamental principles of the Republic,” the head of state added.
Macron said that “clearly antisemitic expressions are emerging” and should be tackled “wherever they come from”. He also pointed to similar concerns on the opposite end of the political spectrum, noting that some parliamentarians within the far-right National Rally (RN) “use expressions and defend ideas” that run counter to republican values.
The interview comes amid heightened political tensions following the death of a 23-year-old man linked to the far right, who was fatally beaten this week on the sidelines of a protest against an appearance by LFI MEP Rima Hassan in Lyon.
Macron condemned what he described as an “unprecedented outburst of violence” and called for “calm, restraint and respect”, as the incident fuelled fresh clashes between far-right and hard-left groups ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
French President Emmanuel Macron has described France Unbowed (LFI) as a far-left movement in which “antisemitic expressions” are emerging and “must be combated”, in an interview with Radio J – a Paris-based radio station aimed at France’s Jewish community – that has reignited tensions with the opposition party.
“I think it’s no secret that they are on the far left,” Macron said in the interview, recorded on Friday and published on Sunday. The classification mirrors a recent decision by the interior ministry – one strongly disputed by LFI.
“I note that in the positions they take, particularly on antisemitism, they contravene the fundamental principles of the Republic,” the head of state added.
Macron said that “clearly antisemitic expressions are emerging” and should be tackled “wherever they come from”. He also pointed to similar concerns on the opposite end of the political spectrum, noting that some parliamentarians within the far-right National Rally (RN) “use expressions and defend ideas” that run counter to republican values.
The interview comes amid heightened political tensions following the death of a 23-year-old man linked to the far right, who was fatally beaten this week on the sidelines of a protest against an appearance by LFI MEP Rima Hassan in Lyon.
Macron condemned what he described as an “unprecedented outburst of violence” and called for “calm, restraint and respect”, as the incident fuelled fresh clashes between far-right and hard-left groups ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Push for tougher sanctions
The president’s remarks come amid a broader push to address antisemitism in France. On Friday, during a tribute to Ilan Halimi – a young Jewish man kidnapped and tortured to death in 2006 – Macron warned of an “antisemitic hydra” insinuating itself “into every crack” of society.
He reiterated on Radio J that the government would introduce legislation imposing a mandatory ban on holding office for elected representatives found guilty of antisemitic, racist or discriminatory acts or remarks. Macron said he was confident the measure could be adopted by parliament and enter into force before 2027.
Asked about LFI MEP Rima Hassan, who has been the subject of a complaint by Le Parisien daily following a post on X targeting one of its journalists, Macron pointed to existing legal tools. “Criminal circulars have been issued by the justice minister to combat all forms of antisemitism and all antisemitic remarks,” he said. “They will be enforced.”
On the role of the media, Macron declined to single out Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera, saying he did not wish to “stigmatise”. However, he warned that some content – whether online or broadcast – can, “under the guise of covering international news, fuel and exacerbate hatred of Jews and create divisions in our society”.
LFI rejects “extremist” label
On Sunday, LFI coordinator Manuel Bompard hit back, arguing that “it is not up to the President of the Republic to classify his political opponents”.
Speaking on the LCI news channel, Bompard accused Macron of borrowing from Donald Trump’s playbook: “If you disagree with him, you’re an extremist.” He also rejected allegations of antisemitism, stressing that “no [France Unbowed] activist has ever been convicted of antisemitism”.
Macron also used the interview to defend the importance of institutional checks and balances, responding to recent comments by conservative politician Bruno Retailleau on the “excesses of the rule of law”. While acknowledging that rules may at times need to evolve, he cautioned that the rule of law “guarantees us the possibility of living freely and together”.
He added that France’s challenges should not be addressed by undermining constitutional foundations or suggesting they are the source of the country’s problems.
Retailleau responded swiftly, saying the president “is wrong” and that “France needs a break with the past”. In a message on X, the leader of Les Républicains portrayed Macron as “an advocate of an immobile France” who “has failed to reform the country and would like nothing to change after 2027”.
(With newswires)
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