On March 25, 2025, Fabien Roussel, the national secretary of the French Communist Party (PCF), stirred controversy by asserting that "racisme anti-blanc" exists during an interview on CNews. His statement has ignited a fierce backlash from members of La France Insoumise (LFI), who accuse him of trivializing concepts associated with the far-right.
Roussel stated, "Of course it exists," referring to racism against various ethnic groups, including whites, blacks, and Asians. He expressed his concern that all forms of racism serve to divide the French people, regardless of their color or origin. "And while the people are tearing each other apart, the wealthy continue to thrive. It breaks my heart," he lamented.
This declaration has not only raised eyebrows but has also fueled existing tensions between the PCF and LFI. Notably, Bastien Lachaud, a deputy from Seine-Saint-Denis, criticized Roussel’s remarks as "inepties" and "horreurs," claiming that rarely has a leader from the left done so much to blur ideological lines and legitimize far-right rhetoric.
Another LFI deputy, Aly Diouara, emphatically stated that Roussel would never be his political ally, reflecting a wider sentiment among leftist factions that Roussel's comments are damaging to the left's integrity. The controversy surrounding Roussel's statements comes at a time when the concept of "racisme anti-blanc" is already a contentious topic in French political discourse.
The term itself has roots in far-right ideology, first popularized by François Duprat, the former number two of the National Front, in 1978. Since then, it has resurfaced in discussions, particularly among figures like Marine Le Pen and Jean-François Copé, and more recently, government spokesperson Sophie Primas, who stated on March 23, 2025, that she has "no shame" in discussing the notion.
Critics of the term, including sociologists, argue that it lacks a systemic basis and is often used to obscure real issues of discrimination and inequality. A 2016 study by the National Institute of Demographic Studies (INED) indicated that while minority racism against the majority can be verbally or physically aggressive, it does not produce systemic inequalities.
Roussel’s comments have reignited the debate, especially following the publication of a book investigating a homicide case in Crépol, Drôme, where an adolescent was killed in 2023. This book has been criticized for politicizing the tragedy by framing it within the context of supposed "racisme anti-blanc," a narrative that some politicians and media outlets have adopted as part of their ongoing discourse on insecurity in France.
In the wake of Roussel's statements, LFI members have voiced their outrage, with Lachaud accusing him of "flattering the reactionary mindset" and contributing to the ideological defeat of the left. He emphasized that Roussel’s approach is not only misguided but also harmful to the broader leftist cause.
Raphaëlle Primet, co-chair of the PCF group at the Paris Council, also condemned Roussel’s remarks, labeling them as "insupportables de connerie," while Bastien Lachaud expressed disbelief that a leftist leader would resort to such rhetoric.
The ongoing friction between the PCF and LFI highlights a broader ideological struggle within the left in France, with accusations flying back and forth regarding the use of language and the framing of social issues. Roussel's earlier reference to "frontières passoires" (leaky borders) in 2023 had already drawn ire from leftist factions, who viewed it as a capitulation to far-right talking points.
As the debate continues, the implications of Roussel's statements may resonate beyond party lines, potentially affecting public perceptions and political alignments ahead of upcoming elections. The divide within the left could lead to significant challenges in presenting a united front against the far-right, which has been gaining traction in recent years.
In summary, Roussel’s assertion that "racisme anti-blanc" exists has not only sparked outrage among his political peers but has also reopened a contentious debate about racism in France. As sociologists and political commentators weigh in, the ramifications of this discourse will likely influence the landscape of French politics moving forward.
