The release by Le Canard enchaîné, a French satirical and investigative newspaper, of a video showing a military chaplain criticizing "leftists" during a mass has caused concern among part of the political class. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing party La France insoumise, has called for the chaplain to be "put in prison" for what he describes as "racist insults" and "seditious statements." According to Mélenchon, those involved in the event should be "identified and neutralized in their potential military role." On Friday, September 18, he and other left-wing political figures condemned the remarks made by a military chaplain attached to the 3rd Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment based in Carcassonne. The incident, revealed by Le Canard enchaîné, occurred in October 2025 during a mass in the cathedral of Carcassonne, on the occasion of the feast of Saint Michael, the patron saint of paratroopers. During the mass, the chaplain criticized "leftists," "those who eat seeds," and those who "preach to everyone," addressing the military personnel present with a message that prompted laughter from the audience. He encouraged them to "continue to fight, to continue to have the courage of your convictions" and warned that without this zeal and faith, "this beautiful country that is France will be mocked, and others will take our place." Mélenchon called the speech "inappropriate" and stated that, while it might be acceptable in the Catholic Church, it had no place in the French army. He urged the Minister of Defense, Catherine Vautrin, to take action. Other left-wing politicians, including deputy Bastien Lachaud and Pierre-Yves Cadalen, supported these calls for sanctions, citing the 1905 law on the separation of churches and the state, which prohibits religious ministers from delivering speeches in places of worship if they incite conflict among citizens. The incident has sparked a broader debate on the role of political expression within the military. The Socialist Party's first secretary, Olivier Faure, called the content of the video "mind-boggling," and several other politicians have called for legal action. According to BFMTV, the Minister of Defense has requested an investigation into the matter. The army headquarters spokesperson, Xavier Rival, described the chaplain's remarks as "inappropriate" and emphasized the need for political neutrality among military personnel. The chaplain has since received a "formal reprimand" and issued public apologies.