journalists from the daily “Les Echos” denounce the “brutal ousting” of the editorial director by Bernard Arnault

A departure that does not pass. The Society of Journalists (SDJ) of Echoes protested, Thursday, March 23, against the surprise departure of the editorial director, Nicolas Barré. Journalists denounce “his brutal eviction by the shareholder”, billionaire Bernard Arnault.

“We, journalists of Les Echos, affirm our determination to ensure respect for the independence of the editorial staff”, estimated the SDJ of the economic daily in a press release posted on Twitter. IJournalists who so wish will make a “signature strike” from Thursday noon and for 24 hours in the online newspaper and in the paper edition on Friday.

“Another interference in the life of the newspaper”

On Wednesday March 22, the group Les Echos-Le Parisien formalized the departure of Nicolas Barré, announcing that he was “called to occupy new functions within the editorial staff”. This group is owned by the luxury giant LVMH, of which Bernard Arnault is CEO.

In its press release on Thursday, the SDJ estimates that “eviction” by Nicolas Barré is “in contradiction with the guarantees of independence bitterly negotiated at the time of the acquisition of Les Echos by LVMH in 2007”.

Bernard Arnault was quoted in the press release from the Les Echos-Le Parisien group announcing the departure of Mr. Barré: he said to himself “very happy” than the latter “has chosen to continue his journey within the group with a new role”. This statement is “another interference in the life of the newspaper despite the commitments made”judged the SDJ.