Saidali Hamissi Faces Removal from RN European Election List Over Controversial Remarks

Saidali Boina Hamissi, a Mahorais candidate on the National Rally (RN) list for the European elections, is facing potential removal from the list after his controversial remarks were revealed. The RN party executives initially announced Hamissi's candidacy, but have now backtracked, stating that his position is 'potentially' on the list.

Hamissi, a 63-year-old party representative from Mayotte, has made misogynistic and conspiratorial comments, including describing Comorian migrants as 'vermin' and making remarks about 'female submission'. The RN deputy Jean-Philippe Tanguy has confirmed that an internal investigation has been launched, and the party may choose another Mahorean candidate.

The French government strongly criticized the appointment, with government spokesperson Prisca Thévenot condemning Hamissi for participating in conspiracy theories and making "extremely serious and dangerous remarks against women" regarding the supposed submission of women to their spouses.

The newspaper Libération had revealed 'racist and conspiracy theorist' posts on Hamissi's Facebook page, including describing Comorian residents of a neighborhood in Mamoudzou as "vermin" and "cockroaches". The National Rally's vice-president, Sébastien Chenu, acknowledged that Hamissi's expressions "shocked" them, but said freedom of expression is limited by law.

Why this matters: The controversy surrounding Hamissi's candidacy highlights the challenges faced by political parties in vetting candidates and the potential consequences of controversial remarks made by party representatives. It also underscores the ongoing debate about the limits of free speech and the impact of discriminatory language in political discourse.

The RN has cultivated its Mahorais electorate, and Hamissi's candidacy was seen as a signal to the Mayotte region, but the revelations have caused embarrassment for the party. The National Rally decided to remove Hamissi from their European election list after reviewing his statements, with party leader Marine Le Pen announcing that Hamissi would likely be placed in an ineligible position on the list led by Jordan Bardella.

Key Takeaways

• Mahorais candidate Saidali Boina Hamissi faces removal from RN's EU election list.
• Hamissi made misogynistic and conspiratorial comments, including describing migrants as "vermin".
• RN launched an internal investigation and may choose another Mahorean candidate.
• French govt criticized Hamissi's participation in conspiracy theories and remarks against women.
• RN decided to remove Hamissi from their EU election list after reviewing his statements.