Rassemblement National faces controversies in Gard and Carcassonne

The Rassemblement National (RN) is facing criticism in southern France following two separate controversies involving its members and rhetoric.

In the Gard department, the Club de la presse et de la communication du Gard has denounced attacks by the RN against local media. The association responded to claims made by RN leader Julien Sanchez, who characterized local press as ‘subsidized and under orders’ of the municipal government. The Club emphasized that journalists maintain editorial independence and that public aid or commercial advertising does not grant elected officials control over content.

In Carcassonne, a controversy has emerged regarding a video involving municipal police officers. The footage, which surfaced via Midi Libre, reportedly captures racist, homophobic, and sexist remarks made during a patrol in November 2025. One of the officers involved is noted to be a former volunteer for the RN who has appeared alongside party leader Jordan Bardella. Local staff have expressed shock and are calling for sanctions amidst a perceived climate of silence.