French media organizations have condemned the treatment of journalists during a recent National Rally party congress held in Orleans, demanding that the far-right party led by Marine Le Pen ensure press freedom at its events.

The two-day congress, held last weekend, marked Le Pen’s first major campaign gathering ahead of the upcoming presidential election scheduled for next spring. Polls place Le Pen as a leading contender to succeed President Emmanuel Macron. Several prominent French media outlets, including BFMTV, LCI, Le Monde, Le Figaro, Radio France, RTL, RMC, France Télévisions, and Agence France-Presse, jointly issued an open letter expressing concern over what they described as journalists being forcibly removed and subjected to rough treatment.

The letter emphasized that political parties must allow the press to operate freely and access their events without obstruction or intimidation, underscoring the importance of such access in a state governed by the rule of law.

The congress occurred under heightened police presence against the backdrop of nationwide protests over the rising cost of living. On October 17, just days before the congress, demonstrations across France had escalated into violent clashes. In Orleans, thousands gathered on Saturday to protest against the National Rally’s event, chanting anti-fascist slogans.

Concerns about potential violence from opposing demonstrators were openly expressed by Le Pen in the weeks leading up to the congress. However, reports indicate that some confrontations involved National Rally activists and the party’s own security personnel. In one incident shortly before the congress began, a video crew from investigative outlet Mediapart faced hostility from party supporters and was jeered by the crowd with chants urging the media organization to leave.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between far-right political groups and the press, raising questions about the balance between security measures and safeguarding press freedom at politically sensitive events in France. The National Rally has yet to respond publicly to the media groups’ open letter.