French Media’s Blatant Misuse of “Motion of Censure”: A Shameful Display of Political Manipulation

Christian Baghai
4 min readSep 6, 2024

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In the chaotic rush to outpace each other, France’s continuous news outlets — BFMTV, CNews, and LCI — have not only failed their viewers but have actively contributed to a dangerous distortion of political reality. Their botched use of the term “motion of censure” during the nomination process of the new Prime Minister is not just a minor slip-up; it’s a glaring example of the media’s complicity in spreading misinformation and bolstering the image of the far-right Rassemblement National (RN).

Misleading the Public: Media Malpractice at Its Worst

The “motion of censure” is a well-defined parliamentary tool in France, meant to hold the government accountable. Yet, in the hands of these so-called journalists, it has been recklessly tossed around in irrelevant contexts, stripping the term of its meaning and sowing confusion among the public. This is not just a case of lazy reporting; it’s a deliberate choice to prioritize sensationalism over truth. Whether out of ignorance or a calculated attempt to boost ratings, these channels have done a disservice to their audience.

But why should they care? In an industry where clicks and views are the currency, the accurate conveyance of political concepts takes a backseat. This distortion is symptomatic of a broader issue within the media landscape — an unholy alliance between news outlets and their political or economic benefactors, who are all too happy to let the public remain misinformed if it serves their interests. By peddling half-baked explanations and misleading terms, these media giants are complicit in undermining democratic discourse.

Aiding and Abetting the Rassemblement National

The misuse of “motion of censure” isn’t just an innocent mistake; it’s part of a broader, more insidious strategy to inflate the standing of the Rassemblement National. This far-right party, under the leadership of Marine Le Pen, has cynically used motions of censure as a performative gesture to claim the mantle of the “true” opposition. Even when these motions stand no chance of success, the RN seizes the opportunity to grandstand, projecting an image of strength and resolve that is eagerly amplified by an all-too-willing media.

By failing to contextualize these political theatrics, the media plays directly into the RN’s hands, offering them a free platform to bolster their image. It’s a grotesque spectacle where the media, rather than challenging these political stunts, becomes an enabler, helping the RN masquerade as a legitimate governing alternative. This is not journalism; it’s propaganda.

Conclusion: Wake Up and Smell the Bias

It’s time to call out the French media for what it is — an apparatus increasingly driven by sensationalism and self-interest rather than a commitment to informing the public. Their reckless misuse of terms like “motion of censure” is not just a journalistic failing; it’s a betrayal of the public trust. If we are to preserve any semblance of democratic discourse, viewers must critically assess the news they consume and demand better from those who claim to be the watchdogs of our society. Otherwise, we risk allowing our media to become nothing more than a mouthpiece for the powerful, content to let us remain in the dark.

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