Overview
- France Info removed a short social video and conceded its headline was a shortcut after it claimed Christmas markets were rehabilitated by the Nazi regime in the 1930s.
- The video said the tradition, which dates to the 13th century, was promoted by the Nazis to showcase German heritage and boost sales of domestic goods.
- Lawmakers and public figures criticized the piece, with RN deputy Laure Lavalette and former minister Ségolène Royal denouncing what they called a misleading and hostile framing.
- The controversy was raised during hearings of the parliamentary commission on public audiovisual neutrality, where rapporteur Charles Alloncle challenged the narrative.
- France Télévisions CEO Delphine Ernotte told MPs she had not seen the clip and said that if something scandalous had aired, Arcom would have been seized and would have sanctioned, as coverage also noted recent calls to reinforce security at Christmas markets.