Thunderclap in the first constituency of Blois. Reda Belkadi (LFI), who had been nominated by the New Popular Front for these early legislative elections, has just had his nomination withdrawn by La France insoumise.
The party explains this in a press release: “The electoral committee of La France insoumise was informed today of tweets of an anti-Semitic nature published six years ago by a candidate nominated in the legislative elections. After verification, it notes that this candidate has in fact violated the charter of commitment signed by all the candidates invested by La France insoumise through which each undertakes to “reject all sexist, racist, anti-Semites, LGBTiphobes and all forms of discrimination.”
Consequently, the electoral committee of France Insoumise immediately withdraws its nomination from Mr. Belkadi in the first constituency of Loir-et-Cher and refers the matter to the Committee for Respect for Principles to obtain his immediate exclusion from La France Insoumise. He reaffirms his absolute commitment to fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of racism. »
For its part, the Socialist Party of Loir-et-Cher indicates that it has also become aware of several tweets dating from the 2018-2020 period from the New Popular Front candidate in the 1st constituency of Loir-et-Cher, Reda Belkadi.
And indicates withdrawing its support for the candidacy of Reda Belkadi: “In the preamble to the legislative contract of the New Popular Front it is specified: “We are fighting against the multiplication of hate speech and against the proliferation of threats and violence which damage our democracy. This is why our majority and our parliamentarians are committed to upholding these ethical principles throughout their mandate by refusing the dissemination of false information, slander, cyberharassment, and incitement to hatred, including on the internet.
The content of Reda Belkadi’s tweets contravenes the preamble of this legislative contract for the Socialist Party.
At a time in our history when the New Popular Front must deliver a speech of appeasement to reconcile and bring together all French people, it does not appear possible to maintain support for Reda Belkadi.
Consequently, the Socialist Party of Loir-et-Cher withdraws its support for the candidacy of Reda Balkadi.”
For his part, Reda Belkadi, who legally remains a candidate in the first constituency of Loir-et-Cher, apologizes. He states: “I discovered, astounded, dozens of absolutely unacceptable tweets that I published several years ago. They reflect a cruel lack, at that time, of training and education regarding several issues, in particular the fight against anti-Semitism. Today, thanks to years of activist training with movements and associations, I have evolved. Those who know me know that they can count on my unfailing commitment to structures fighting racism and anti-Semitism. I am proud to have evolved and to be the activist I am today.
However, I know that our country is crossed today by multiple fractures and does not need this controversy to harm, in any way, the dynamics of the New Popular Front, a coalition resolutely committed to the fight against racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination. I take note of the decision of France Insoumise to withdraw its investiture from me and accept it with humility. In context, it’s a fair decision.
I would like to apologize to anyone who may have been disappointed by my past comments. They are the fruit of a young person, then without training, without political reference points, like our country has so many.”
We have blocked the display of this content to respect your cookie choices. By clicking on “Accept”, you accept the deposit of cookies. You can change your choices at any time by going to this page.
Accept
“Angry” elected officials
Christophe Degruelle, president of Agglopolys and socialist activist, indicates that he had “asked, as soon as I became aware of these tweets, for a clarification. Here, I am all the more angry with LFI because I got involved in its campaign.” He had in fact indicated that he was behind the candidacy of Reda Belkadi to give the left more chance. “I maintain that the strategy of the New Popular Front is the right one, in order to come together, but there is a Mélenchon problem and a part of LFI that must be resolved, the future of the left must go through clarification.” His voting instructions now? “Not one vote for the National Rally, everyone will vote with their soul and conscience.” He indicates that he will position himself for the second round on a name.
Marc Gricourt, Mayor of Blois
