Quentin Deranque, 23, died on February 14, two days after being beaten to the ground by far-left activists in Lyon. The Insoumis were accused by their opponents of having an indirect link to the fatal assault, which they strongly deny.
Former Socialist president François Hollande denounced the “double fault” of Jean-Luc Mélenchon in the political aftermath of the death of far-right militant Quentin Deranque, stating that he will “pay for it electorally.” Hollande criticized Mélenchon for not taking responsibility politically and predicted electoral consequences for him.
In the 2027 presidential election, it is believed that Mélenchon may no longer be the candidate to represent the left in the second round, as he did in 2017 and 2022. Hollande described Mélenchon as becoming politically marginalized, with little chance of success, and criticized his actions in this matter.
Seven people have been indicted for voluntary homicide in connection with Deranque’s death, including two assistants of LFI deputy and founder of the dissolved antifascist group, Young Guard, Raphaël Arnault. LFI denies any involvement in the death and sees political motives behind the accusations aimed at weakening or eliminating the main left-wing party in the country.
Eric Coquerel, an LFI deputy, stated that the political events were aimed at weakening their party and defended Arnault’s decision not to resign from his position. He described Arnault as being unjustly threatened and almost condemned in advance before the completion of the investigation.
