The political landscape in France is currently marred by a series of threats and harassment targeting candidates from different parties. Ethan Leys, a 21-year-old National Rally (RN) candidate for the 8th constituency of the North, has been subjected to a campaign of harassment and threats on social media since announcing his candidacy. Leys, who recently completed his law degree, has filed a complaint for 'harassment and death threats' and subsequently blocked his social media accounts. An investigation has been initiated by the Lille public prosecutor's office.
The harassment against Leys began after he announced his candidacy on X (formerly Twitter), with his tweet being republished over 1,400 times, often accompanied by hateful comments. Some of the threats were extremely violent, including suggestions of physical assault. His college friends were also contacted in an attempt to obtain his address. This harassment has led to a diminished campaign, with Leys' supporters, including Senator Joshua Hochart, taking measures to ensure his safety.
In a similar vein, Jean-Jacques Gaultier, an LR deputy from Vosges and candidate for re-election, has also faced death threats. Gaultier received an anonymous letter threatening his life, which appeared to be signed by 'a departmental RN commando.' Gaultier has filed a complaint, and the documents have been sealed and fingerprints taken. He emphasized his determination not to let France fall into the hands of extremists.
Sébastien Humbert, the departmental delegate of the RN in Vosges, condemned the threats against Gaultier, stating that the RN_Vosges is not responsible for the letter and condemns such intimidation tactics. The political climate in France is increasingly tense, with candidates from various parties facing significant threats and harassment, raising concerns about the impact on democratic processes.
- Ethan Leys, formerly a member of Éric Zemmour's Reconquest party, joined the National Rally in May 2023 to become its leader in the Roubaix agglomeration. This city was notably in the news in 2022 due to an investigation by Zone Forbidden on M6, which explored the influence of Salafism.
- In the 8th constituency of the North, Leys faces the outgoing elected official David Guiraud, who is running under the New Popular Front. Senator Joshua Hochart, who supports Leys, mentioned that the harassment would have consequences on the campaign, and they would avoid exposing Leys as much as possible.
- Jean-Jacques Gaultier, who received the death threat letter, had opposed the proposal for an alliance with the RN, which was suggested by Éric Ciotti. Gaultier's determination to combat extremism and violence remains steadfast despite the threats.
