Mathilde Paris, a deputy of the National Rally in Loiret, appeared on BFMTV where she was asked about Jean-Marie Le Pen’s views on antisemitism. After a long and uncomfortable silence, she reluctantly stated that she personally believed he was antisemitic, a position that contrasts with that of Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally.
This silence spoke volumes during Mathilde Paris’ appearance on BFMTV on November 8th. She was participating in a debate about the upcoming march against antisemitism, scheduled for November 12th.
The exchange became tense when Loïc Signor, a deputy from Renaissance, accused the National Rally of being an antisemitic party. The presenter then asked Mathilde Paris, “Do you say that Jean-Marie Le Pen is not antisemitic? Do you confirm your statement?”
After attempting to reply by mentioning an “ambiguity” with Jean-Marie Le Pen, the presenter pushed for a clear answer. Eventually, Mathilde Paris hesitantly admitted, “Personally, I think he was [antisemitic].”
This statement may seem trivial given Jean-Marie Le Pen’s past actions and statements towards the Jewish community. The National Front was founded by Marine Le Pen’s father alongside former Waffen SS members and collaborators.
Jean-Marie Le Pen has made scandalous remarks in the past, including minimizing the Holocaust by referring to gas chambers as “a detail of history.” He has also been convicted six times for antisemitism.
While participating in a live television debate is undoubtedly challenging, the awkward silence from the Loiret deputy reflects the discomfort surrounding recent comments made by Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally. Bardella stated on November 5th that he “does not believe” Jean-Marie Le Pen is “antisemitic,” a statement that has caused unease among some National Rally deputies.
