Valerie Hayer, French President Emanuel Macron’s head of the list for the European Parliament elections in June, has found herself caught up in controversy after being photographed alongside alleged “neo-Nazis”.
The incident in Paris on May 12 sparked outrage across France, while Hayer defended herself publicly, claiming: “This is a trap set for me by activists from a small neo-Nazi group.”
🇫🇷 Valérie Hayer a affirmé avoir été piégée concernant sa photo avec les néo-nazis : pic.twitter.com/AgTyzZyiE4
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— Cerfia (@CerfiaFR) May 12, 2024
Some sceptics questioned the validity of her defence, pointing out that there were indicators such as SS symbols on attendees’ attire and slogans such as: “The White Race: save Europe’s identity”.
Hayer countered, claiming she did not notice these elements due to time constraints and that she rarely refused photo requests.
“These are unworthy methods, those of the extreme right that I condemn with all my strength and that I will fight tirelessly,” she added.
“Choosing to trap a political opponent instead of going for a confrontation on the merits and the debate of ideas is pathetic,” she further commented.
The incident occurred after Macron vowed to “combat hard-right ideologies” in a video statement released on May 11.
The latest photograph also reignited debates in France regarding free speech and the right to demonstrate in France, with criticism directed towards the authorisation of the demonstration.
Some accused the Macron administration of allowing the proliferation of Nazi ideologies in the country.
“I blame the Macronists for letting the Nazis prosper in our country,” said hard-left campaigning MEP Manon Aubry.
This controversy unfolded amid a backdrop of other prohibited demonstrations across France.
Several prefectural authorities prohibited gatherings protesting against French Government actions in the past months.
Last year, the Parisian authorities barred demonstrations near the Stade de France during the Coupe de France football final on April 29.
Authorities have justified their decisions based on what is described as “a proven risk of disturbing public order” and that the event Hayer was at, which is held every year, had not caused any excess or “disturbance to public order in previous years”.
Still, many believe the latest controversy may further to hurt Macron’s party in the race for seats in the European Parliament.
French voters will use the European Parliament elections in June to express their dissatisfaction with French President Emmanuel Macron, research has found. https://t.co/Aw4uForwUu
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) April 30, 2024
