Lawyer compares Mélenchon to Goebbels, sparks public outrage

Paris, France — The lawyer Alain Jakubowicz drew sharp criticism Thursday after he compared French political leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon to Joseph Goebbels, Adolf Hitler’s former propaganda minister, during a television interview. This statement prompted Mélenchon, leader of the political party La France insoumise (LFI), to file a complaint for “injure publique.”

Jakubowicz made the comparison while discussing the book “La meute,” released recently. The book critiques the LFI, claiming it operates under Mélenchon’s domineering influence and employs intimidation tactics against its critics. “It tells the story of a fascist movement… I see a parallel between Mélenchon and Goebbels,” Jakubowicz stated during his appearance on the show hosted by Apolline de Malherbe.

He continued, saying, “The all-powerful man whom the people must follow. It is fascinating and, at the same time, chilling.” This statement was made without immediate response or commentary from the show hosts.

BFMTV, the channel airing the segment, issued a statement expressing its disapproval of Jakubowicz’s remarks, stating, “Freedom of expression does not justify outrage and defamation.” The channel’s journalists’ society also condemned his comments, stating, “Nothing justifies such a comparison with a figure of Nazism.”

In reaction to Jakubowicz’s claims, Mélenchon took to social media, announcing his intent to pursue legal action. He said: “He identified me with Joseph Goebbels, the anti-Semitic criminal. He has also insulted our political movement, its members, and voters by likening the insoumis to Nazis.” He noted the inflammatory nature of these statements on the anniversary of Germany’s defeat in World War II.

Deputy Manuel Bompard criticized the media for allowing such comparisons, questioning how far they would go in their attacks. “Where will this media pack go in their shameful actions?” he wrote on social media. LFI euro-deputy Manon Aubry remarked that this incident reflects a terrible media campaign against LFI and Mélenchon.