"Profoundly shocking": Government denounces viral racist video

A video containing racist and hateful slogans has sparked outrage and government condemnation in France. The footage, which shows young people shouting "Marine au pouvoir, les Arabes à l’abattoir!" (Marine to power, Arabs to the slaughter!), has gone viral on social media.

Maud Brégeon, the government spokesperson, described the remarks as "profoundly shocking" and "absolutely inadmissible." Speaking after a cabinet meeting, she stressed that all statements amounting to incitement to hatred, discrimination, or racism are punishable in France. Brégeon expressed her hope that those responsible for the video and its online dissemination would be identified and prosecuted.

The public prosecutor's office in Rodez has launched an investigation into "incitement to hatred or violence." The video was reportedly filmed in a local nightclub. Several politicians from La France insoumise have criticized what they describe as a media and political "omerta" surrounding such hateful remarks.

Marine Le Pen, leader of the Rassemblement National, distanced herself from the video, stating she felt no responsibility for the young men's "unbearable" comments. She expressed hope that justice would punish them, asserting she had "absolutely nothing to do with all this." Le Pen is awaiting a decision on July 7 regarding her eligibility to run in next year's presidential election.