The Left Radicals of Finistère (LRDG29) express their full solidarity with Mélanie Thomin, the socialist MP who was prevented from holding a conference devoted to the issues of national defense, Monday May 18, 2026, at Brest. “In a peaceful and mature democracy, public debate cannot be hampered by pressure, intimidation or attempts to prevent it, whatever the political or ideological motivations. The confrontation of ideas, particularly on subjects as essential as national sovereignty, defense and international security, constitutes a fundamental pillar of our Republic,” writes their president Yann Bernard, on behalf of the members.
“The caricatures are born”
In their press release, the LRDG29 also regret the attitude of the Brest municipal councilor, Malick Niang, whose intervention has, according to them, “led to preventing this democratic exchange from taking place. Nothing can justify an elected representative of the Republic being prevented from speaking in the context of a public and peaceful conference.” They call for “an end to the caricatures and accusations of intent which too often poison the public debate. Talking about national defense, security or sovereignty cannot be equated with any ideological drift. These questions concern all citizens and deserve better than slogans or anathemas.”
“At a time when international tensions require a lucid debate on questions of national defense and European security, it is essential that public officials can express themselves freely to citizens,” conclude the Left Radicals.
