After the death of Quentin, an identitarian activist beaten by antifa militants in Lyon, political reactions continue to pour in. The Lyon prosecutor is set to hold a press conference on Monday at 4 p.m. to shed light on the attack on Thursday night on Quentin Deranque, 23, who was providing security for the identitarian collective Nemesis protesting the conference by LFI MEP Rima Hassan at Sciences-Po Lyon.
On Sunday evening, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated, “evidently it is the far left that was at work,” pointing the finger at the possible involvement of the antifascist group “La Jeune Garde,” which denied any involvement. This antifa collective, founded by Raphaël Arnault, today a deputy of La France Insoumise (LFI), expressed “horror and disgust” upon learning of the student’s death.
In response to the events in Lyon on Thursday, National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet emphasized the seriousness of the situation and decided to suspend the access rights of Jacques-Elie Favrot, parliamentary assistant to deputy Raphaël Arnault, as reported by several witnesses.
Raphaël Glucksmann deemed it “unthinkable” for the left to ally with LFI in the 2027 presidential election, calling for an end to the public debate’s brutalization due to incitement of hatred by political leaders, including those from La France Insoumise.
While acknowledging deaths caused by ultraright militias, he emphasized that the National Rally now poses a threat to taking power in France and shifting the country into the Trumpist and Putinist camp, promising to be the barrier against threats to democracy without forming alliances with movements that undermine democracy, such as La France Insoumise.
Maud Bregeon, a government spokesperson, criticized the “moral responsibility” of La France Insoumise in fostering a climate of violence in the political debate, alleging links to extremely violent far-left groups. She stressed the need for LFI supporters to acknowledge the reality behind the party’s discourse and insinuations.
Regarding Rima Hassan’s appearances at universities, which have led to heightened security measures, Maud Bregeon emphasized that it is not trivial, urging LFI supporters to confront the reality behind the party’s rhetoric. Jean-Luc Mélenchon denied any involvement in the incident, labeling those who accuse them as calumniators.
Expressing astonishment, empathy, and compassion for the family and friends, Maud Bregeon reiterated their stance against violence and distanced themselves from extreme positions ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, advocating neither for LFI nor RN as battling extremism with another is not the solution.
