PRESS REVIEW – Monday, February 16: A look at French press reactions following the demise of Quentin Deranque, a young activist associated with the far-right. We also examine international considerations for additional sanctions against Russia, stemming from reports of a deadly toxin causing Alexei Navalny's death. Furthermore, a review of record-breaking performances by France, Norway, Italy, and Great Britain at the Winter Games.
French Political Landscape Reacts to Activist's Death
The passing of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old far-right nationalist activist, has sent shockwaves through France. Deranque was fatally injured on Thursday after being assaulted by a group during a demonstration protesting far-left politician Rima Hassan at Lyon's political science university. Le Figaro reports that the French government has attributed the attack to ultra-left activists.
The editor of Le Figaro characterized the tragedy, stating that Quentin was "not a militant killed in a street fight but a martyr for freedom of expression." This sentiment, the publication argues, is threatened by the far left's alleged "hideous pack mentality." The right-leaning newspaper further accuses the far-left France Unbowed party of fostering the very "political violence that was at the heart of this deadly event."
Business publication Les Echos declared February 14, the date of Deranque's death, a "turning point in French politics – that extremism kills." The paper's editor also noted its significance as a date to remember, occurring just 15 months prior to the French presidential elections. From the left-leaning press, Libération condemned the "unbearable climate of intolerance in which French politics has been conducted for a long time now."
International Scrutiny on Russia and Winter Games Achievements
In parallel, five nations, including Britain, are reportedly contemplating further sanctions against Russia. This consideration is prompted by a report suggesting that a potent frog toxin was responsible for Alexei Navalny's death. Metro, a British newspaper, relayed a statement from British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper, indicating the UK's likely imposition of new sanctions.
A European inquiry reportedly concluded that the 47-year-old Russian opposition leader, who passed away in prison precisely two years ago, succumbed to a dart frog toxin. Russia has consistently maintained that his death was due to natural causes. Meanwhile, the Winter Games have witnessed remarkable athletic feats. Great Britain celebrated its most successful Winter Games campaign ever, with Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale securing a historic gold in the mixed team snowboard cross.
France has also surpassed its previous medal tally record from four years ago, accumulating 15 medals with a week still remaining, according to L'Equipe. The host nation, Italy, has achieved its all-time largest medal haul with 22. Skier Federica Brignone claimed her second gold in the giant slalom. Additionally, Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has cemented his status as an all-time champion, earning his fourth gold medal and leading Norway to victory in the men's team relay. With nine gold medals, Klaebo now holds the record for the most Winter Olympic golds. Dagbladet, a Norwegian newspaper, proclaimed, "No one stands next to him or above him."
