Tensions persist at LFI, against a backdrop of internal reorganization of the movement
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, with the Deputy (LFI) of Bouches-du-Rhône Manuel Bompard, during a demonstration against the pension reform in Marseille, on May 6, 2023. CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP During the battle… {2 } }
Tensions persist at LFI, against a backdrop of internal reorganization of the movement
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, with the deputy (LFI) of Bouches-du-Rhône Manuel Bompard, during a demonstration against the pension reform, in Marseille, on May 6, 2023. CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP
During the battle for pension reform, La France insoumise (LFI) put its internal bickering under the rug. Now that the pressure has subsided, the settling of scores is resurfacing and discontent is rising among activists.
In the making for several months, the reorganization of the office of LFI in the National embly, which has twenty-four of the 74 deputies, is about to be completed. Officially, it’s just “to adjust its composition on the basis of one year of experience so that the group can be even more effective”, testifies the coordinator of LFI, the deputy of Bouches-du-Rhône Manuel Bompard. According to the schedule, the final adjustments must take place during a meeting on Monday, May 22, and be voted on the next day.
In reality, some see in this new organization chart the pretext to issue new sanctions against the “slingers” of the movement. In December 2022, four old companions of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the three deputies of Seine-Saint-Denis Eric Coquerel, Raquel Garrido, Clémentine Autain, and the elected official of the Somme François Ruffin had not been able to integrate the new direction of movement, the famous “coordination of spaces”. These shelving had been perceived as a purge decided by Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Five months later, similar work seems to be continuing, helping to maintain a climate of mistrust within the group.
The three posts of vice-president of the office could for example disappear. “It’s part of the debate”, confirms Manuel Bompard. The first lieutenant of Jean-Luc Mélenchon does not wish to re-enlist to concentrate on “the coordination of LFI” that he oversees. If successful, this change would have the main consequence of removing Alexis Corbière his last title within LFI.
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Another potential victim of the reorganization, Clémentine Autain. The MP had asked to formalize the task she mainly deals with, that of representing LFI within the New People’s Ecological and Social Union (Nupes). This will not be the case. In the new organization chart, no one will be specifically responsible for relations with Nupes, a function hitherto attached to the vice-presidency of Manuel Bompard. “There is a shared desire that it still be taken care of by several people, including of course the group president (Mathilde Panot)”, details the deputy of Bouches-du-Rhône. Finally, François Ruffin, who rarely went to meetings, would not like to go back.
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