‘Les Municipales 2026’, shown on 15 March 2026 – interview with Franceinfo

Arcom was alerted to comments made by a columnist about Éric Ciotti during the programme on the municipal election results shown on franceinfo on 15 March 2026.

It noted that, during this segment, a nickname borrowed from history – tending to liken a democratically elected politician to a fascist dictator – had been used.

Whilst it acknowledged that the diffusion of this term was unintentional and that corrective measures had been taken by both the commentator and the broadcaster, Arcom considered that this remark, which was defamatory in nature, was likely to damage the honour and reputation of Éric Ciotti, in breach of the provisions of France Télévisions’ terms of reference.

Arcom also considered that the apologies offered could not be regarded as satisfying the requirement for control over on-air content.

Consequently, Arcom strongly demanded that the broadcaster ensure, in future and in all circumstances, that these provisions are complied with.