During a meeting in Brest, Aurore Bergé, the French Minister for the Fight Against Discrimination, criticized the leader of La France Insoumise (LFI), Jean-Luc Mélenchon, claiming he is enabling antisemitism in France.

She stated that Mélenchon is reminiscent of Jean-Marie Le Pen, the former leader of the National Front, known for his multiple convictions related to hate speech and antisemitism.

Bergé remarked, "LFI gives a permit to the French to be antisemitic because Jean-Luc Mélenchon is the Jean-Marie Le Pen of today.

It is about his small phrases and nauseating jokes."

Bergé's comments were made in reference to a controversial statement made by Mélenchon, who, addressing accusations of antisemitism regarding a poster targeting TV host Cyril Hanouna, condemned journalists and media owners.

He accused them of prioritizing profit over ethics, suggesting they would "cut your hair to make bedding" when not losing money.

Bergé interpreted this comment as a direct reference to the historical atrocities of Auschwitz, where the hair of deportees was used for commercial purposes.

"Jean-Luc Mélenchon is a cultured man who understands history and historical references.

It cannot be anything other than a direct reference to Auschwitz," she asserted.

In her critique, Bergé also stated that the National Rally (RN) attempts to conceal its historical associations with antisemitism, whereas she characterized LFI’s statements as a "magic eraser" that overlooks the antisemitic aspects of the RN and its predecessors.

She noted that recent candidates within RN have previously made negationist comments, indicating ongoing antisemitic sentiments within the party.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in French politics regarding issues of antisemitism and the legacies of political parties historically linked to such sentiments.

Both parties continue to be scrutinized as they navigate the sensitive issue of discrimination in contemporary France.