Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Interior Minister clash over prefect impartiality

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the presidential candidate for La France Insoumise (LFI), has criticized French prefects, calling for an “impartial State” and demanding they “return to their offices.” Speaking at the movement's summer universities, Mélenchon accused state representatives of conducting “trials” against LFI deputies and insisted that officials must treat all representatives with the same regulatory respect.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez responded to the remarks, stating that prefects have “no lessons in impartiality to receive.” Nuñez defended the officials as servants of the State who act with neutrality to guarantee the general interest and uphold the Constitution. He argued that questioning their role in such a manner deeply misrepresents their commitment to the Republic.

The confrontation follows previous tensions between LFI and state officials, including past legal complaints filed by authorities against LFI deputies regarding statements made about police conduct.