Relay removes far-right magazine from stores

Relay, a brand managed by Lagardère & Connexions, announced in summer 2026 that it would remove the far-right magazine La Furia from its sales points. However, at least one store was still displaying the magazine with explicit covers.

Magazine's background and content

La Furia was launched in 2022 by Laura Magné, co-founder of Magnus editions, and features contributions from authors like Laurent Obertone and Marsault. The magazine publishes content related to far-right ideologies, often under the guise of satire.

Legal and financial implications of IPG qualification

La Furia received the IPG qualification from the Parity Commission for Publications and Press Agencies (CPPAP) in 2022. This qualification is important for press publications as it grants access to certain financial benefits, including a reduced VAT rate and special postal rates.

NGOs challenge magazine's content

SOS Racism and SOS Homophobia, two NGOs, filed complaints against La Furia for alleged racial defamation and incitement to hatred or violence. However, these complaints were later dismissed due to insufficient evidence of the alleged offenses.

CPPAP re-examines magazine's qualification

In June 2025, the CPPAP initiated a procedure to re-examine La Furia's IPG qualification, citing new facts that justified the review. The commission then decided to revoke the qualification, a move that was challenged as an abuse of power.

Legal challenge delays removal

A decision in August 2025 suspended the CPPAP's removal of the IPG qualification, citing concerns about its retroactive application. The judge noted that the relevant decree did not clearly allow for the withdrawal of such qualifications.

Relay acts after CPPAP decision

Relay indicated in August 2026 that it had instructed store managers to remove any publication that lost its CPPAP qualification. La Furia was among those affected by this directive.

Magazine still found in one store

Despite Relay's instructions, the Observatory of Multinationals reported in October 2026 that La Furia was still available at the Relay store at Gare de l'Est in Paris. However, by October 19, the magazine was no longer available in that store or others.

Relay acknowledges delays in removal

Lagardère Travel Retail France admitted to "shortcomings" in the removal process, acknowledging that the operation was decentralized and dependent on individual store managers. The company emphasized that it had reminded its network of the need to remove the magazine promptly.

Relay's charter and legal role

The removal of La Furia was part of Relay's implementation of a pluralism and non-discrimination charter. The company emphasized that its role as a distributor is to provide access to a range of ideas without taking a stance on the content itself.