Two ministers strongly criticized the presence of Saidali Boina Hamissi on the list of the National Rally (RN) on Tuesday, April 23. It was revealed by Libération that he had made conspiracy theory and racist comments on his Facebook page. The ministers also highlighted his admiration for Vladimir Putin and his support for polygamy. Marine Le Pen, during a visit to Mayotte, announced that the 63-year-old representative from the region was joining the European election list led by Jordan Bardella, likely in a non-eligible position unless voters decide otherwise. This move was seen as a historic first for having a Mahorais candidate on a European election list.
The Minister Delegate for Overseas Territories, Marie Guévenoux, criticized Marine Le Pen and the RN for not verifying the views of their allies, stating that Mr. Boina Hamissi has an admiration for Vladimir Putin and supports polygamy. The government spokesperson, Prisca Thevenot, also condemned Hamissi for participating in conspiracy theories and making dangerous statements about women’s supposed submission to their husbands. Libération had previously exposed Hamissi’s Facebook posts as being violently racist, conspiratorial, and insulting towards Comorian residents in Mamoudzou, as well as spreading anti-Covid vaccine misinformation and praising Vladimir Putin while denouncing France’s support for Ukraine.
The controversy surrounding Hamissi’s presence on the RN list has brought to light concerns about the party’s alliances and the views of its representatives. The decision to include someone with such extreme and offensive views has sparked criticism from multiple quarters, as it goes against principles of inclusivity and respect. The revelation of his social media posts has further fueled the debate on the responsibility of political parties in vetting their candidates and ensuring that they uphold values that align with democratic norms.
The situation has raised questions about the larger implications for the upcoming European elections, as voters may be influenced by the presence of controversial figures on party lists. It also brings attention to the issue of political extremism and the need for parties to distance themselves from individuals who espouse racist, conspiratorial, and harmful ideologies. The government is calling for accountability and a thorough examination of the views and backgrounds of candidates to ensure that those representing political parties reflect the values of the electorate and uphold the principles of democracy.
In light of the backlash against Saidali Boina Hamissi and the criticism of the RN for not adequately screening their candidates, there is a renewed focus on the importance of transparency and accountability in political processes. The controversy surrounding his inclusion on the party list underscores the need for thorough vetting of candidates to prevent the promotion of harmful ideologies and ensure that those who represent political parties uphold democratic values. The response to this incident will likely have implications for the wider political landscape in France and raise awareness about the dangers of extremist views within the political sphere.
