A book titled La Meute (Flammarion edition) was released on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, offering a scathing examination of Jean-Luc Mélenchon and his political party, La France Insoumise (LFI). Co-authored by journalists Olivier Pérou and Charlotte Belaïch, the book is the culmination of two years of investigative work and interviews with 200 individuals, revealing disturbing insights into the internal dynamics of the party.
The authors describe LFI as a sectarian organization where dissent is met with hostility and verbal aggression. According to the book, members of the party are expected to adhere strictly to Mélenchon's directives, and those who dare to criticize him face severe repercussions. The narrative paints a picture of an authoritarian structure where fear is a tool for control.
One of the more shocking revelations involves a text message allegedly sent by Mélenchon to Marine Tondelier, a prominent member of the Ecologist party, after she criticized divisions within the left. The message reportedly read: "Je vais te mettre la dose que tu mérites" ("I will give you what you deserve"), which Tondelier later clarified was misquoted, stating the actual message was "On va te renvoyer la dose que tu mérites" ("We will send you back what you deserve").
In the wake of the book's release, reactions from various political figures have poured in. Mathilde Panot, president of the LFI group, dismissed the allegations as "un ramassis de ragots" (a heap of gossip), while Manuel Bompard, the party's coordinator, labeled the book a "collection of ragots and fausses informations" (false information). He further stated, "This book, I think, is a fiction," attempting to downplay the serious claims made against the party.
Critics have pointed to the lack of internal democracy within LFI, a sentiment echoed by Fabien Roussel, the national secretary of the French Communist Party, who stated on RMC and BFMTV that there is "un vrai sujet" (a real issue) for the left regarding the need for more democracy within the party. He emphasized that the left must embrace democratic values both within LFI and across France.
The book also highlights Mélenchon’s ambiguous stance on antisemitism and his failure to condemn certain remarks made within his ranks. This has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of the Adrien Quatennens affair, where the former LFI deputy was convicted of domestic violence. The authors assert that this incident was a catalyst for their investigation into the party’s internal culture.
In addition to verbal violence, the book describes a toxic management style within LFI, characterized by threats and the excommunication of former loyalists. The atmosphere is depicted as suffocating, where any divergence from the party line is grounds for expulsion. This has led to a culture of silence among members, who fear repercussions for speaking out.
Former LFI member François Ruffin has also been vocal about his break with the party, calling Mélenchon a "boulet" (a burden) and asserting that he is an obstacle to the left's success. Ruffin's criticisms reflect a broader discontent among former allies, who have felt marginalized within the party.
Despite the backlash, some within LFI have attempted to turn the narrative around. Marine Tondelier, who has publicly criticized Mélenchon’s approach, indicated that the party's methods do not align with her vision of how a political party should operate. She stated, "If you want me to say that I sometimes have a problem with Jean-Luc Mélenchon and how LFI operates, I can say that. I don’t think this is how a party should function."
The book's authors also detail how Mélenchon and his inner circle, including his partner Sophia Chikirou, maintain a tight grip on the party's direction. They describe instances where dissenting voices were silenced, and members were made to feel like mere extensions of Mélenchon’s will. One quote attributed to Mélenchon encapsulates this sentiment: "Les militants sont mes bras et mes jambes, et moi je suis la tête. Je n’ai besoin de personne pour penser" ("The militants are my arms and legs, and I am the head. I don’t need anyone to think").
In a somewhat surreal twist, the book reveals that LFI has resorted to using Photoshop to erase former members from group photographs, mirroring practices from totalitarian regimes. This practice has reportedly left some former members feeling betrayed and erased from the party's history.
The political fallout from La Meute continues to unfold, with many in the political landscape calling for reforms within LFI. Jean-Pierre Raffarin, a former minister, remarked that "the red line of extremism has been crossed," highlighting the urgent need for change within the party.
As the controversy surrounding the book persists, it remains to be seen whether LFI will adapt to the criticisms laid out in La Meute or continue to double down on its current trajectory. The responses from party leaders suggest a defensive posture, but the growing discontent among former allies and the left could force a reckoning within the movement.
