The recent debate in the Assemble9e Nationale has brought to light a concerning incident involving Ugo Bernalicis, a deputy from the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI). During discussions on a narcotrafic law on March 20, 2025, Bernalicis reportedly used the phrase 'solution finale' in a context that evoked memories of the Holocaust, prompting outrage and condemnation from various political quarters.
As the session unfolded, fellow deputy Dieynaba Diop suggested finding "a different solution" to the debated law. In response, Bernalicis interjected with the controversial phrase, drawing immediate ire from centrist deputies, especially Mathieu Lefèvre from the Ensemble (EPR) party, who requested a formal reminder of the rules regarding inappropriateness in parliamentary speech. He stated, “I heard Mr. Bernalicis evoke an extremely dark period of our history – he knows very well what I refer to,” emphasizing that such remarks should not be tolerated.
Lefèvre demanded that Bernalicis retract his comments; otherwise, he would ensure that they be recorded in the official minutes of the assembly. While other deputies, including Elsa Faucillon of the NUPES coalition, attempted to defend Bernalicis, the president of the assembly confirmed that his remarks would be noted, intensifying the political friction surrounding this incident.
This exchange has reignited broader discussions regarding antisemitism in France, particularly in relation to La France Insoumise, which has faced consistent accusations of complacency regarding antisemitic rhetoric. This scrutiny has heightened especially following the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, which led to allegations that the party did not condemn the violence adequately or clearly label Hamas as a terrorist organization. Such claims have strained LFI's reputation, as they have been accused of fostering an environment that is dismissive of antisemitic sentiments.
In a particularly stark example earlier this month, the party faced backlash over an image depicting Cyril Hanouna with distorted features in a context critics labeled as reminiscent of antisemitic propaganda from the interwar period. Prominent figures, including opposition deputies like Jérôme Guedj and intellectuals such as philosopher Raphaël Enthoven, criticized the party’s imagery as unfairly characterizing and stigmatizing individuals, reinforcing historical antisemitic tropes.
Facing public outcry, LFI ultimately retracted the controversial image of Hanouna. However, tensions within the party remain palpable, especially regarding the implications of such representations in an increasingly polarized political climate.
The situation escalates amidst a backdrop of real-world violence against Jewish individuals. On March 22, 2025, a rabbi in Orléans was violently assaulted, a grim reminder of the rising antisemitic violence in France. Reports from the rabbi recount horrifying details: “He said to me: 'All Jews are sons of...' then spit on me,” illustrating the alarming aggression that has resurfaced against the Jewish community.
Political reactions to this incident were swift and critical. Marine Le Pen, leader of the Rassemblement National (RN), publicly blamed LFI for creating an environment where such attacks could occur, stating that the party “has put a target on the backs of French Jews.” This accusation highlights a significant rift in French politics, where the discourse surrounding antisemitism is complex and laden with historical baggage.
Both incidents—Bernalicis's comments and the physical attack on the rabbi—underscore grave concerns regarding the status of antisemitism in France today. Critics argue that without clear condemnation and a unified front against such ideologies, the situation may worsen. The reactions from various political leaders showcase the contentious nature of this discourse, where accusations are traded and accountability is frequently in question.
In recent publications, prominent journalists have weighed in on the resurgence of antisemitism, as well, including Laurence Ferrari, who highlighted the responsibilities placed on political factions like LFI in her editorial commentary. Ferrari’s piece emphasizes the urgent need to confront these realities if France is to tackle the growing tide of antisemitism effectively.
This parliamentary incident and its surrounding fallout signal a crucial moment of reckoning for French politics, especially concerning how antisemitism is addressed and debated publicly. With many leaders calling for accountability, it remains to be seen whether substantive changes will emerge within La France Insoumise and other political entities in response to this ongoing crisis.
As the political landscape unfolds further, stakeholders on all sides will be watching closely to see how parties confront these issues of hate, history, and responsibility. For the moment, the interplay of accusation and defense continues to shape the narrative surrounding antisemitism in France, leaving many to question how deeply these issues are embedded in the fabric of political discourse.
