Quentin Deranque, 23, died on February 14, two days after being beaten to the ground by far-left activists in Lyon. The Insoumis have been accused by their opponents of indirectly being linked to the deadly assault, which they vehemently deny.
Former socialist president François Hollande denounced Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s “double fault” in the political aftermath of the death of far-right militant Quentin Deranque, stating that he will “inevitably pay for it” electorally.
In the 2027 presidential elections, Hollande believes Mélenchon can no longer be the candidate to represent the left in the second round, unlike in 2017 and 2022. According to Hollande, Mélenchon is in a “political marginality” where he “complains” and will “remain”. Hollande also criticized the “moral and political responsibility” of Mélenchon, especially in this case.
Seven people have been charged with voluntary manslaughter for Deranque’s death, including two assistants of the LFI deputy and founder of the dissolved antifascist group Jeune Garde, Raphaël Arnault.
LFI member of parliament Eric Coquerel reiterated that LFI had “no connection to the death of this young identitarian”. He believes that the political events are aimed at weakening or even eliminating “the main left-wing party in the country”. Coquerel also defended Arnault’s decision not to resign from his parliamentary seat, despite facing threats and pre-emptive condemnation.
Context: François Hollande criticized Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s response to the death of far-right militant Quentin Deranque and predicted negative electoral consequences for Mélenchon.
Fact Check: Seven people have been charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection to Quentin Deranque’s death, including individuals associated with the LFI deputy.
