Benjamin Bernard, a prominent sports journalist for beIN Sports, sparked widespread debate and criticism with his recent social media post condemning the success of the far-right National Rally party in France’s parliamentary elections.
Benjamin Bernard’s Viral Outburst
Benjamin Bernard took to social media to express his frustration and anger over the results of France’s recent parliamentary elections, particularly targeting the voters of Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party. In his post, he referred to them as “12 million SOBs,” highlighting his strong disapproval of their political choice.
Election Results and Political Landscape
The first round of France’s parliamentary elections saw significant gains for the National Rally, capturing 33% of the popular vote. This marks a milestone for the party, which has traditionally faced strong opposition from more centrist and left-wing factions. President Emmanuel Macron’s Together coalition secured 20% of the vote, while the leftwing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance followed closely with 28%.
Reactions and Commentary
The election results stirred a range of reactions across the political spectrum. Media figures and analysts weighed in, with some criticizing Macron for the political turbulence following his decision to call a snap election after the European elections. Alexis Brézet of Le Figaro labeled the results as a “French tragedy,” placing blame on Macron for the divisive political climate.
Impact on French Politics
As France prepares for the second round of runoff voting, scheduled for July 7th, the focus remains on whether traditional political alliances can unite against the National Rally to prevent further gains. The concept of a “republican front,” where candidates from opposing parties unite to block far-right advances, may play a crucial role in shaping the final composition of the parliament.
Benjamin Bernard’s Controversy and Response
Following the backlash to his initial post, Benjamin Bernard opted to delete the controversial tweet, clarifying that his views were personal and not representative of his employer, beIN Sports. Despite removing the tweet, he stood by his sentiments, emphasizing the importance of upholding France’s values of human rights amidst political polarization.
