A coalition of left-wing organizations, trade unions, and civic groups in the Alpes-Maritimes department has called for a public demonstration on Saturday, Oct. 3, outside the Nice town hall. The mobilization follows recent investigative reports regarding the National Rally party.
Left-Wing Coalition Coordinates Response Against Antisemitism
Left-wing organizations in southern France issued a joint call for a united front against racism and antisemitism, scheduling a public rally for Saturday at 4 p.m. in front of the Nice town hall. Julien Picot, general secretary of the French Communist Party branch in the Alpes-Maritimes (PCF 06), published an open letter on Wednesday, Sept. 30, addressed to all republican forces in the department to organize the demonstration.
Mediapart Investigation Targets Jordan Bardella
The mobilization was triggered by reports published by the online investigative journal Mediapart. According to the publication, the reports attribute antisemitic writings to National Rally (RN) President Jordan Bardella. Bardella, who is slated to serve as Prime Minister under Marine Le Pen if the RN wins a presidential election, has formally denied the attribution of these writings.
PCF 06 Scrutinizes National Rally Strategy
In its official statement, PCF 06 characterized the alleged remarks as deeply repugnant and unacceptable, demanding an immediate public response. Julien Picot criticized the ongoing political strategy of the National Rally, stating that the party has spent years attempting to distance itself from its historical roots. Picot argued that the latest revelations cast serious doubt on the authenticity of that strategy.
Criticism Directed Toward Nice Mayor Éric Ciotti
Picot also directed criticism toward Nice Mayor Éric Ciotti, accusing him of aligning too closely with the RN leadership. “Éric Ciotti has become the hostage of the RN,” Picot said in the statement. “While Jordan Bardella is suspected of antisemitism, the mayor of Nice was at his side to defend him, with Marine Le Pen. It’s unacceptable. The people of Nice must show him under his windows that they are not antisemitic.”
Local Leadership Declines Immediate Comment
Local media outlets attempted to secure a response from both the office of the mayor of Nice and representatives of the National Rally in the Alpes-Maritimes regarding the planned demonstration and the underlying allegations. Neither entity provided a response prior to publication.
Worth a look