Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau Draws Criticism for Praising Far-Right Group Némésis

Retailleau expressed support for the controversial collective during a security conference, sparking backlash from political opponents and public debate over his remarks.

Bruno Retailleau, France's Minister of the Interior, praised the far-right collective Némésis during a security conference on January 21, stating he was 'very close' to their 'combat'.
Némésis, founded in 2019, is an identitarian group known for anti-immigrant rhetoric and provocative actions, which they frame as 'feminist' advocacy.
The group's activities include disrupting public events, with recent actions leading to legal complaints, including charges of inciting hatred in Besançon.
Retailleau's remarks were met with strong criticism from left-wing politicians, who accused him of aligning with extremist ideologies.
Following the backlash, Retailleau clarified that his support was limited to shared concerns over issues like anti-Semitism and denied endorsing the group's broader radical positions.