Death of an Activist in Lyon: Glucksmann Rules Out Cooperation with La France Insoumise

The tragic events in Lyon have led to a sharp escalation of conflict within the French left. The death of Quentin D., an identitarian activist who was fatally beaten by members of antifa groups, became a catalyst for a firm declaration by Raphaël Glucksmann. The MEP, a co-founder of the Place Publique movement, in an interview with RTL on Monday February 16, 2026, categorically distanced himself from the formation of Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The politician emphasized that the left can no longer entertain the slightest doubt about the impossibility of forming an alliance with La France insoumise in the upcoming 2027 elections. Glucksmann pointed to the progressing brutalization of public life, indicating that all political leaders who fuel sentiments of hatred bear responsibility for it. The violence in Lyon erupted on the sidelines of a conference organized by LFI MEP Rima Hassan. According to information provided by Laurent Nuñez, the police prefect, the perpetrators of the attack were believed to be members of the far-left organization Jeune Garde. While Glucksmann takes a hardline stance, the rest of the left-wing camp, including the Socialist Party, is maintaining significant silence for now, which amplifies the impression of a deep division within the Nouveau Front Populaire bloc. The French political scene has been grappling with polarization for years, and traditional center-left parties have been systematically losing ground to Mélenchon's radical wing, leading to tensions in building joint electoral lists since 2022.„It is unimaginable for our political camps to nurture even a shadow of doubt about the possibility of forming an alliance with LFI.” — Raphaël Glucksmann This situation calls into question the durability of the left-wing coalition, especially in light of accusations of tolerating violence by ultraleft militants. Glucksmann, who secured a strong mandate in the recent European Parliament elections, is now trying to take the initiative and steer the French left in a more moderate, pro-European direction, free from LFI's radicalism. The potential exclusion of Mélenchon's group from future electoral arrangements could completely change the balance of power ahead of the battle for the Élysée Palace.