Philosopher Raphaël Enthoven was acquitted on November 6 by the Paris correctional tribunal for public insult against La France insoumise (LFI), after calling it « profoundly antisemitic » in a tweet. The judges ruled that the statements fell within the bounds of freedom of expression in a matter of general interest. LFI condemns the decision as scandalous and is considering an appeal.
On May 1, 2024, during a demonstration in Saint-Étienne, Raphaël Glucksmann, lead candidate for Place publique-Socialist Party in the European elections, was evicted amid jeers and paint throws. In response, philosopher and commentator Raphaël Enthoven, on Europe 1 and Arte, posted a tweet on X: « La France insoumise is a detestable, violent, conspiratorial, passionately antisemitic movement. And they are so stupid. (…) We can't stand this club of deficient people anymore. »
Although LFI was not officially involved – the action claimed by the Young Communists of the Loire, with one LFI militant participating individually –, Jean-Luc Mélenchon's party filed a complaint for public insult, seeking 10,000 euros in damages.
The Paris correctional tribunal acquitted Enthoven on November 6, 2025, ruling that « these statements did not exceed the acceptable limits of freedom of expression ». The judges acknowledged an « outrageous » and « injurious » nature to the remarks, which « cast discredit on the entire movement in a generalizing and essentializing way ». However, they were part of a « major general interest debate » on violence and antisemitism linked to LFI, fueled by recurring controversies over violent or conspiratorial statements within the party.
After the ruling, Enthoven reiterated: « La France insoumise is an antisemitic movement, passionately antisemitic. It is even the first antisemitic party in France. » His lawyer, Richard Malka, stated: « Justice is not a gag on democratic debates for those who care nothing for democracy. Every citizen has the right to criticize a political party as they see fit. »
LFI's lawyer, Mathieu Davy, called the decision « scandalous » and « stunning », an « attack on the party, its leaders, members, and voters », and is considering an appeal for damages. LFI coordinator Manuel Bompard wrote on X: « La France insoumise is stunned by such a decision, which amounts to recognizing a privilege of insult rights granted to some against others. » Jean-Luc Mélenchon thundered at a conference: « There is no justice for you, 'insoumis'! You must stop believing that when you are insulted by the armed arm of the powerful, you have equal rights to those of the powerful. » He promised to send the judgment to over 500,000 militants for « mass political education ».