Adrien Quatennens Withdraws Candidacy Amid Controversy
Adrien Quatennens, the outgoing deputy from the North and member of La France Insoumise (LFI), has officially withdrawn his candidacy for the upcoming legislative elections. Quatennens, who was sentenced to a suspended prison term for domestic violence in 2022, stated that he does not want his situation to be used against the New Popular Front (NUPES) and LFI during a critical time when all efforts should be focused on defeating the extreme right.
Quatennens' decision follows significant internal debate within the New Popular Front, where his candidacy was a contentious issue. The announcement of his candidacy had sparked outcry, particularly from environmentalist, socialist, and communist allies within the coalition, who demanded his ouster as a condition for unity.
In a press conference, Quatennens expressed that his situation was being used as a political pretext. 'I have the deep conviction that my situation is only a pretext used to play politics. I have the right to think so. And at this moment, I feel that I have the right to say it,' he stated. He also addressed the incident of domestic violence, expressing regret over the slap he gave his ex-wife.
Following his withdrawal, the New Popular Front has decided to invest new candidates. Aurélien Le Coq, national co-host of Jeunes insoumis, and Lahouaria Addouche, a social worker, will now represent the coalition in the upcoming elections. This decision, made in accordance with the party leadership, aims to maintain unity and focus on defeating the extreme right.
- Activist Amy Bah from the feminist collective 'We All' had announced her intention to run against Quatennens in the same historically left-wing constituency to uphold the 'values' of the New Popular Front, despite not having an official nomination.
- Quatennens expressed his frustration over the political manipulation of his personal situation, describing it as a 'sort of ineligibility sentence that the courts have not pronounced'. He highlighted the need for fairness and expressed concern about the broader political situation in the country.
