French Mayor Suspended for Antisemitic Remark on Israel Boycott

A French mayor has been formally suspended from office after making an antisemitic remark on social media, triggering widespread condemnation from government officials, political leaders, and Jewish organizations across the country.

Bernard Bazinet, mayor of the small town of Augignac in southwest France, posted a Facebook comment supporting a boycott of Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest amid the war in Gaza. But it was his justification that drew outrage “Yes to a boycott! France is too Jewish to boycott!”

The remark, posted in early December, quickly gained traction online and was widely condemned. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez responded decisively, suspending Bazinet for one month starting Wednesday, citing a loss of moral authority incompatible with public office. “The mayor no longer holds the moral authority necessary to carry out his duties,” Nuñez said in a public statement.

Bazinet, formerly affiliated with the Socialist Party, was expelled from the party shortly after his comment surfaced. The party condemned his language as antisemitic and incompatible with its values. In a subsequent interview, Bazinet acknowledged the post and said he regretted the phrasing, claiming ignorance of its implications. “I wasn’t necessarily aware that the term carried antisemitic connotations,” he said.

But Jewish advocacy groups swiftly pushed back on that explanation. The Combat Antisemitism Movement issued a strong rebuke, stating, “Such language constitutes hate speech, not political discourse. It perpetuates centuries-old tropes that have fueled violence and dehumanization of Jews. This is unacceptable from anyone, let alone an elected official.”

Bazinet’s suspension reflects growing concern across Europe over the resurgence of antisemitic rhetoric, often cloaked in anti-Israel sentiment. France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish population, has faced a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents since October, with authorities vowing to respond with firmness.

The mayor has not announced whether he intends to appeal the suspension. For now, his case serves as a stark reminder of how deeply antisemitic ideas still surface in public discourse and the need for vigilant response.

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