David Lisnard, the mayor of Cannes and a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, is under fire for his comments regarding the October 17, 1961, massacre of Algerian protesters in Paris. During a television appearance, Lisnard dismissed the historical significance of the event by claiming he was not yet born, sparking sharp criticism from the political sphere. MP Thomas Portes condemned the remarks as racist, accusing the candidate of showing disrespect toward the victims who were thrown into the Seine River. MP Sabrina Sebaihi asserted that one cannot seek to lead France while disregarding a tragic chapter of its past. The French National Assembly officially recognized the massacre in March 2024. Additionally, other lawmakers have pointed to past controversial statements made by the candidate regarding Algerians.