Mélenchon criticizes Ouattara, Ivorian embassy announces legal response

During a rally in Paris, Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused President Alassane Ouattara of eliminating his opponents and being re-elected for an unconstitutional fourth term. On July 16, 2026, the Ivorian embassy in France issued a statement condemning the remarks as offensive, asserting that Mélenchon has no legitimacy to judge Ivorian institutions. The embassy announced legal action to seek redress, marking a shift in tone against the recurring criticism from the leader of La France Insoumise.