Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally deputies, and Saidali Boina Hamissi, the party’s departmental delegate in Mayotte, were set to experience a moment of celebration on April 20, 2024. However, this moment was short-lived as Hamissi’s candidacy for the European elections was revoked due to controversial posts on his Facebook page. Despite being placed in the 41st position on the list, with no chance of being elected, this move was seen as a way to show support for Mayotte, which is facing a desperate situation.
The announcement of Hamissi’s candidacy on the National Rally list was met with criticism from government officials, citing his past remarks as “racist and conspiratorial” towards the Comorian residents of a neighborhood in Mamoudzou. This led to his expulsion from the party’s list, just days after being introduced. The controversy surrounding his inclusion on the list overshadowed what was meant to be a significant moment for Mayotte and the National Rally.
In response to the backlash, Sébastien Chenu, vice president of the National Rally, expressed discomfort with the language used by Hamissi but also suggested that such expressions may arise when people are pushed to their limits. The situation in Mayotte has been tense, with the government launching an operation to combat gang-related crime, illegal immigration, and unauthorized housing. The removal of Hamissi from the European elections list highlighted divisions within the party and raised questions about its stance on controversial statements made by its members.
The episode involving Hamissi’s brief candidacy revealed underlying tensions within the National Rally and highlighted the challenges of navigating political alliances in a diverse and complex region like Mayotte. The swift removal of Hamissi from the party’s list underscored the need for careful vetting of candidates and emphasized the importance of upholding principles of inclusion and respect in political discourse. The incident also served as a reminder of the broader social and political issues facing Mayotte and the need for constructive dialogue and collaboration to address these challenges.
Despite the setback of Hamissi’s exclusion from the European elections list, Marine Le Pen and the National Rally continue to navigate the complex political landscape of Mayotte and seek to address the concerns of the local population. The controversy surrounding Hamissi’s candidacy has sparked discussions about racism, sexism, and political ideology in the context of French politics, highlighting the importance of accountability and responsibility in political leadership. As Mayotte grapples with social, economic, and political challenges, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of inflammatory rhetoric and the need for respectful and inclusive political engagement.
