Private Comments by Raphaël Glucksmann Anger French Politicians
Listen to the story
Private comments made by French politician Raphaël Glucksmann have become public, causing strong reactions from Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Ségolène Royal.
Royal criticised Glucksmann for a phrase she called "consternant" sexisme. She was especially upset by a comment comparing someone to a "belly dance" performed for President Macron.
Mélenchon also reacted strongly, calling Glucksmann's remarks a "contre-vérité", meaning they were false or misleading.
The exact details of what Glucksmann said have not been fully confirmed, but his words appear to have touched on sensitive political topics involving both Mélenchon and Royal.
Both Mélenchon and Royal are well-known figures on the French political left, and tensions between different left-wing leaders have been common in recent years.
Glucksmann, who is also linked to left-leaning politics, has not yet made a detailed public statement responding to the criticism.
The controversy highlights ongoing divisions within the French left, where disagreements over strategy and personal rivalries often attract media attention.
It remains unclear how Glucksmann will respond or whether the private comments will have lasting political consequences for him.
Vocabulary6 words
- politician
- a person who works in government
- consternant
- shocking or very surprising in a bad way
- sexisme
- unfair treatment because of someone's sex
- contre-vérité
- a statement that is false
- controversy
- a public disagreement about something
- left-wing
- political ideas that focus on equality and social support
📚 Ready to use these words in a real conversation?
Practice live with a real tutor on Preply.
Quiz
Answer key
1. Sexism 2. "Belly dance" for Macron 3. False
✅ Nice work on the quiz!
Keep the momentum going — book a live English lesson with a Preply tutor.
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Private comments made by French politician Raphaël Glucksmann have become _____, causing strong reactions.
Royal criticised Glucksmann for a phrase she called _____ sexisme.
She was upset by a comparison to a _____ performed for President Macron.
Mélenchon called Glucksmann's remarks a _____.
The exact details of what Glucksmann said have not been fully _____.
Both Mélenchon and Royal are well-known figures on the French political _____.
Glucksmann has not yet made a detailed public _____.
The controversy highlights ongoing _____ within the French left.
It remains unclear whether the comments will have lasting political _____ for him.
Discussion questions
- Why might private political comments cause strong public reactions?
- Do you think politicians should be held accountable for private remarks that become public?
- What tensions exist between left-wing political figures in your country?
- How important is it for politicians to respond quickly to criticism?
🎓 Enjoyed this story?
Turn today's reading into real speaking practice with a live Preply tutor.
