Fatima Ouassak and Alice Coffin collaborate on 'The Camp of the Good' to reclaim a discredited term and build a unified left-wing movement against far-right and far-center forces.
Authors collaborate on new book
Fatima Ouassak and Alice Coffin, both activists and writers, have co-authored a book titled The Camp of the Good, published by Les liens qui libèrent in September 2026. The book aims to reclaim a term that was once used to criticize left-wing movements and to build a united front against the far right and what the authors call "the far center."Background of the authors
Ouassak is a political scientist, environmentalist, and co-founder of the Front of Mothers, while Coffin is a lesbian feminist activist and co-founder of the Association of LGBT+ Journalists (AJL). Both were awarded the feminist essay prize from Causette for their previous works, including Ouassak’s The Power of Mothers and Coffin’s The Lesbian Genius.Engaging political opponents
The book features interviews with figures from the political right, including Pascal Praud from CNews and Geoffroy Lejeune, who previously led "Valeurs actuelles" and now runs "Journal du Dimanche." Coffin has conducted similar interviews in the past, such as with Frigide Barjot following the "Manif pour tous" movement.Strategic approach to political engagement
Ouassak and Coffin discussed the risks of avoiding dialogue with the far right and far center, noting that the National Rally (RN) is currently the leading political force in France. They argued that such avoidance could reinforce the perception that only far-right groups are significant, while allowing the far center to present itself as neutral.Media representation concerns
The authors criticized the lack of left-wing representation in mainstream media, using the example of Charles Sapin, a former editor at "Valeurs actuelles," now working at France Inter. They also pointed out the inclusion of Eugénie Bastié, a reactionary commentator, on France 2’s political program L'heure de vérité under the guise of editorial balance.Questions for Macron
Ouassak wants to question President Emmanuel Macron about police repression of movements like the Yellow Vests and the death of Nahel Merzouk. Coffin plans to ask Macron about his alignment with the "far center," a term that includes individuals who reject both far-left and far-right ideologies but lack a unified political base.Reclaiming the term "far center"
The authors argue that the term "far center" is used by its proponents to avoid scrutiny and deflect attention from their own radicalization. They suggest that using the term can challenge this narrative and help build a unified left-wing movement.2027 presidential election stance
The authors said they would not support a barrier vote against the far right, even in a hypothetical matchup between Marine Le Pen and Édouard Philippe. They believe the far center has failed to address the rise of the far right and should now be held accountable by supporting the rupture left, represented by Jean-Luc Mélenchon.The book's purpose and vision
Presented as both a militant manual and an analysis of recent social movements, the book explores the possibility of "the camp of the good" becoming an actual movement. The authors aim to reclaim the term, once used as a stigma, and to promote a movement that combines activism with a sense of joy and solidarity.
