Gender-Based and Sexual Violence: Manuel Bompard Slams a “Competition for the Most Demagogic Proposals”
Manuel Bompard, leader of La France Insoumise, criticized what he called a “concours Lépine des propositions les plus démagogiques” in the debate over responses to sexist and sexual violence, arguing that some political reactions focus on symbolic measures rather than effective protection and prevention. In comments related to recent public concern over violence against women and sexual offences, he said that making public a file of people convicted of sexual offences could create an illusion of safety if it is not accompanied by stronger follow-up and care measures.
Bompard stressed that the current system does not adequately implement monitoring and treatment measures for offenders, which he described as an important weakness in preventing repeat offences. According to him, public policy must go beyond punishment alone and include reinforced supervision, support, and healthcare-related measures. He argued that relying on individual sanctions against one person is not enough to respond to the scale of the problem or to the emotions raised by such cases.
The LFI figure also said there should be stronger penalties for sexist and sexual violence, but insisted that punishment must be part of a broader strategy. He warned against measures that may sound tough politically but would not necessarily improve public safety in practice. In his view, the challenge is to build policies that reduce risk, protect victims, and address the causes of recidivism.
Bompard was responding in a context shaped by high-profile cases and broader debate over how institutions should deal with sexual crimes, child sexual abuse, and repeat offenders. He rejected the idea that a single administrative or criminal response could solve the issue, saying the public reaction should not be limited to an isolated sanction.
He also disputed claims that Gérald Darmanin had personally requested prioritization in a related case, saying that such a statement is “absolutely false.” His remarks suggest a broader political clash over responsibility, prevention, and the effectiveness of state action against sexual violence.
At the same time, Bompard acknowledged the need for firmness, saying that measures to punish sexist and sexual violence must be strengthened. But he maintained that those measures must be effective rather than purely rhetorical, and that the state must ensure follow-up systems are actually applied.
