This is a particularity of the European elections in France: no need for sponsorship from elected officials to be a candidate (unlike the presidential election for which you need 500). Which explains the large number of lists (38) and the presence of “fanciful” candidates. Thus the controversial singer Francis Lalanne leads a “Free France” list with the sulphurous comedian Dieudonné M’Bala M’Bala. If this is controversial, it is nevertheless completely legal.
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“ Hello, I introduce myself, Dieudonné M’Bala M’Bala, prison number 18 759, candidate for the 2024 European elections “, declares the controversial comedian in the campaign clip for the “Free France” list.
He stands in front of a virtual background representing a prison cell and proudly displays the electronic bracelet that he has been sentenced to wear on his foot since 2021 for abuse of social property.
With his side, his running mate. Singer Francis Lalanne says he defends “ medical prisoners, intellectual prisoners “. Both candidates propose “ escape “, that is to say the exit from the European Union. Europe described as “ shit pit » by Dieudonné.
The clip is close to parody, the program formulated in an insulting manner, and the list embodied by a comedian accused of Holocaust denial and a singer suspected of conspiracy since the pandemic.
This has all the makings of a false candidacy, and yet the votes collected by the “Free France” list will be counted on the evening of June 9, the day of the European elections. Until then, this crazy clip will also be broadcast on public television, potentially in front of millions of viewers. It is a legal obligation.
Like the 37 other lists, the video received the approval of Arcom, the Audiovisual Communication Regulatory Authority, which validates the content.
In accordance with a decision published in Official newspaper on April 25, 2024, “ During the broadcasts, the speakers express themselves freely. However, in accordance with the laws in force, they cannot: harm public order or the safety of people and property; make comments that are prohibited and punishable by law or that harm the dignity of the human person, the honor and the consideration of others; infringe on secrets protected by law; make comments of an advertising nature, within the meaning of the regulations on advertising and sponsorship; make fundraising appeals “.
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