Jean Quatremer leaves Libération for Marianne amid editorial dispute

Jean Quatremer, a veteran journalist who spent 42 years at the French daily Libération, announced his departure on 29 July 2026 and will join the news magazine Marianne as an editorialist. His exit follows prolonged tensions with the Libération editorial team over his public statements on the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict, which he said made the workplace “unbreathable”.

Quatremer, who was Libération’s Brussels correspondent covering EU institutions, said in a farewell note, “I take back my freedom, as it is my most precious possession.” Marianne confirmed his appointment, while Libération’s staff had previously debated his controversial remarks on the conflict and related topics.

The move underscores ongoing debates within French media about editorial freedom and the handling of contentious geopolitical issues.