Antisemitism at National Rally congress

During its congress in Orléans on October 24 and 25, the National Rally (RN) faced incidents involving antisemitism and hostility toward the press. The party, led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, was confronted with criticism over its alleged tolerance of antisemitic behavior.

UEJF banner removed by far-right activists

The Union of Jewish Students of France (UEJF) deployed a banner at the event to denounce Bardella's antisemitic writings, but it was immediately torn down by far-right activists. This act of aggression highlighted the tensions present at the gathering.

UEJF vice-president placed under custody

Elise Hirsch, vice-president of the UEJF, was placed under investigative custody following a peaceful action at the congress. She denounced the violence experienced by her members, emphasizing the hostile environment faced by Jewish students.

Mediapart journalists attacked and expelled

Four Mediapart journalists were attacked and expelled from the meeting hall by the RN's security service during the congress. This incident added to a history of alleged hostility toward the press by the RN, with Mediapart having regularly faced orders and threats from the party since its inception.

Contradiction to Bardella's public statement

Despite Jordan Bardella's earlier promise to journalists, made during the president of the National Rally's New Year's address to the press in January 2025, that he would "always consider your role essential to the proper functioning of our democracy," the RN's actions during the congress contradicted this statement.

Violence against Jewish students and journalists

During the launch meeting of Marine Le Pen's campaign on October 25, the RN security service violently expelled Jewish students who had come to denounce Bardella's antisemitic writings. A Mediapart journalist also suffered physical and racist violence, underscoring the ongoing tensions and concerns about the RN's conduct.