Dordogne Mayor Expelled from Socialist Party After Antisemitic Facebook Comment

Bernard Bazinet, the mayor of Augignac in Dordogne, faced severe political and social repercussions after posting antisemitic remarks on Facebook, including using the term "youpin," a recognized antisemitic slur. The comment, made in response to a Libération article about Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest against a backdrop of boycotts by several European countries, ignited immediate outrage.

The Socialist Party (PS) swiftly acted to expel Bazinet, emphasizing that antisemitism is wholly incompatible with its values. Pierre Jouvet, Secretary General of the PS, voiced his indignation over the statements, highlighting the party's zero tolerance toward antisemitism. Bazinet, 64, defended himself by claiming ignorance of the historical weight of the term and expressed regret, stating he did not intend antisemitism.

Beyond the political fallout, the local Ligue Internationale Contre le Racisme et l'Antisémitisme (Licra) branch announced plans to file a formal complaint against Bazinet. Betty Wieder, president of the Licra Dordogne, condemned the use of such language as unacceptable and reminiscent of longstanding antisemitic prejudices.

This incident has occurred alongside ongoing national efforts to combat racism and antisemitism in France. The Prix Ilan Halimi, established in 2018 and named after a victim of a notorious antisemitic crime, rewards projects by youth groups countering racist and antisemitic prejudices. Similarly, the Interministerial Delegation for the Fight Against Racism, Antisemitism, and Anti-LGBT Hate (DILCRAH) has launched a 2026 call for projects to support associations combating hatred and discrimination, reinforcing the country's commitment to fighting such hatred.

The case underscores the persistent challenges France faces in addressing antisemitism within its political and social spheres. The expulsion of Bazinet and active legal steps demonstrate firm institutional responses, while ongoing civil society mobilizations aim to foster tolerance and combat hate speech.