In a post on X (formerly Twitter), former MEP Françoise Castex suggested that the knife attack in Paris on Saturday should not be categorised as terrorist. This statement triggered an outcry and outraged reactions on the social network. Françoise Castex’s comment was a response to the comment made by the President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, who declared: “Once again, terrorism has struck on our soil.” To which former MP Nupes replied: “Really, THE TERRORISM? That’s a single man called Armand who is listed in the S-file in the psychiatric category!”
On X, many people expressed their outrage at the former MP’s reaction. One user commented, among other things: “Saying ‘He’s not a terrorist because his name is Armand’ is just as stupid (and racist) as saying ‘He’s a terrorist because his name is Mohammed’.” Another responded along the same lines: “Wait, for the left it’s not an act of terrorism because his name is Armand? I thought that was the far right saying that.”
Françoise Castex harshly criticised Yaël Braun-Pivet’s stance, saying: “Of course this loss is tragic and my condolences to the families … But is it really your job to add fuel to the fire, to qualify the act, to denounce ‘those who attack our values’ even before the trial is over? #Shame.” In response, one internet user judged that it was the former MP who should feel shame for her remarks.
“This death is dramatic (…), BUT. The ‘but’ is a shame, a ‘but’ that says so much. The ‘but’ of the Nupes that makes it possible to cover up all the atrocities without naming or condemning them. The ‘but’ of compromise”.