Jean-Luc Mélenchon cancels TF1 interview following Edouard Philippe segment

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the La France Insoumise leader and presidential candidate, has announced the cancellation of a scheduled interview on TF1’s 20 Heures news program. The decision follows an interview with Edouard Philippe, the Mayor of Le Havre and Horizons leader, on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

During the broadcast, Philippe addressed the October 17 riots, stating there was a significant number of French youths from immigrant backgrounds among those involved. He characterized this as a sign of the failure of integration in France over recent decades. Mélenchon criticized the segment on X, alleging that presenter Anne-Claire Coudray adopted Philippe’s “racist slanders” and allowed him to deliver a “disgusting speech” without interruption.

While neither TF1 nor La France Insoumise had publicly confirmed the upcoming interview with Mélenchon, a close associate had indicated to AFP that the appearance was planned ahead of a party rally in Le Bourget.