Jean-Luc Mélenchon accuses BFMTV of racism during Paris protest

During a demonstration against the high cost of living in Paris on October 24, 2026, political leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon confronted journalists from BFMTV. While walking in a procession that departed from Porte d’Italie, Mélenchon was questioned regarding upcoming meetings between the Prime Minister and high school students.

Mélenchon responded by telling the broadcaster, “And you, BFM, start to calm down on racist remarks of all kinds, because it is getting to be too much.” He further dismissed subsequent questions from journalists, characterizing the interaction as provocation.

The protest followed a last-minute route change imposed by the Paris administrative court. Authorities redirected the march from its original path between Bastille and Nation to a route from Porte d’Italie to Porte de Vincennes, citing concerns over potential looting of businesses. This change was criticized by organizers and political figures, including Marine Tondelier, as an unacceptable move by the government.