Press Conference Confirms Mélenchon’s Endorsement On 23 February, Jean‑Luc Mélenchon addressed a “new media” audience at La Fabrique in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, publicly reiterating his backing of the Jeune Garde and describing the group as fully aligned with La France Insoumise’s programme [1]. The briefing was limited to digital creators and influencers, and mainstream outlets such as France Info, AFP, TF1, Libération and L’Express were denied accreditation, while Le Monde’s request went unanswered [1]. Mélenchon’s statement came as the party faced mounting pressure over the February 14 killing of far‑right activist Quentin Deranque [1].

Deranque Killing Links Jeune Garde to Violence Quentin Deranque, a 23‑year‑old nationalist student, died on 14 February after being beaten and kicked in the head by masked assailants during a protest in Lyon [2][3]. Police have identified all nine detained suspects as members or affiliates of the outlawed Jeune Garde, including parliamentary aide Jacques‑Elie Favrot, who faces charges of “complicity to murder by instigation” [2][3]. Prosecutor Thierry Dran reported that at least six attackers inflicted the fatal skull injuries, confirming the group’s direct involvement in the homicide [3].

Political Fallout Threatens Left‑Right Cordons The murder has ignited a crisis for France’s far‑left, with analysts warning that LFI could become the new political pariah, destabilising the long‑standing cordon sanitaire that isolates the far right [2]. Commentators such as Guillaume Tabard (Le Figaro) claim the incident benefits the National Rally, while former prime minister Dominique de Villepin warns it creates a “corridor of respectability” for extremist forces [2]. Mélenchon condemned the violence but stopped short of denouncing the Jeune Garde or suspending its founder Raphaël Arnault, leaving mainstream left parties in a tactical dilemma [2].

Legal and Media Access Issues Escalate Nine arrests, including the parliamentary assistant to LFI deputy Raphaël Arnault, underscore the legal pressure on the party ahead of the 2027 presidential race [3]. The state prosecutor’s briefing highlighted the severity of the attack and the involvement of multiple Jeune Garde militants [3]. Simultaneously, the refusal of accreditation to major news organisations at Mélenchon’s press event raises concerns about transparency and media freedom in covering the unfolding scandal [1].