Strasbourg, France – A candidate for La France Insoumise (LFI) in the upcoming municipal elections has filed a police complaint after being threatened with a knife during a campaign event Friday evening. The incident, which occurred while the candidate was posting campaign materials, has sparked condemnation from party leaders and raised concerns about the escalating tensions surrounding the election.
Jamila Haddoum, a 44-year-old social worker and tenth on the LFI list led by Florian Kobryn, was reportedly confronted by an individual wielding a knife in the city center of Strasbourg. According to a statement released by the party, Haddoum was accompanied by her children, aged 15 and 16, at the time of the attack. The incident underscores a worrying trend of violence and intimidation targeting candidates in the Strasbourg municipal race.
“I will cut your throat,” the assailant allegedly threatened, alongside a barrage of insults including “leftist scum,” “slut,” and “whore,” as reported by Kobryn in a press release. The party has condemned the violence as “unacceptable” and is calling for a more peaceful campaign environment. This incident follows a series of escalating attacks against LFI campaign efforts in recent weeks, according to Kobryn.
Florian Kobryn, the lead candidate for LFI, denounced the incident as part of a “deadly climate of hatred and distrust” directed towards his party, which he described as “the first bulwark against the rise of the far right.” He called for a “republican and anti-fascist surge” and a campaign free from the ongoing attacks. Kobryn detailed additional incidents to Agence France-Presse (AFP), including a forced campaign office lock, glue inserted into the lock, and the placement of excrement in front of the office. 20 Minutes reports that Haddoum filed a formal complaint following the Friday evening incident.
Florian Kobryn and Halima Meneceur, October 2025. © Nicolas Kaspar / Pokaa
The attack on Haddoum is not an isolated incident. Cem Yoldas, a candidate from the NPA (Nouveau Parti Anticapitaliste), withdrew from the race earlier due to security concerns, citing instances of homophobic insults, vandalism of his campaign office, and racism. Pokaa.fr details the recent surge in violence targeting candidates in Strasbourg.
Escalating Violence During Campaign Season
Kobryn emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the attack on Haddoum represents a dangerous escalation. “With this aggression, it takes a completely different turn,” he told AFP. The LFI party is urging authorities to investigate the threats and ensure the safety of all candidates during the remainder of the campaign period. The incident has prompted calls for increased security measures and a renewed commitment to respectful political discourse.
The municipal elections in Strasbourg are scheduled for 2026. Florian Kobryn is running on a platform centered on social justice, ecological policies, and local democracy. His campaign website details his vision for the city, including a meeting scheduled for March 2nd with Mathilde Panot at the Salle de l’Aubette.
What’s Next?
Authorities have confirmed an investigation is underway into the threat against Jamila Haddoum. The focus will be on identifying the assailant and determining the motive behind the attack. The incident is likely to fuel further debate about the safety of political candidates and the demand to address the rising tide of political extremism. The coming days will be critical in assessing the impact of this event on the overall campaign climate in Strasbourg and whether additional security measures will be implemented.
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