I am a man of the left, but I refuse the leftism that flirts with tyranny.

Analysis

The statement aligns with Lévy's known political stance, which often critiques leftist movements he perceives as authoritarian. The phrasing matches his rhetorical style, and the context (France Culture radio, 2006) is consistent with his public intellectual engagements during that period.

Background

Bernard-Henri Lévy is a French philosopher and public intellectual associated with the 'Nouveaux Philosophes' movement. He has frequently positioned himself as a left-leaning thinker critical of extremism, including what he sees as authoritarian tendencies within some leftist ideologies.

Verdict summary

Bernard-Henri Lévy did make this statement during a 2006 debate on France Culture radio.

Sources consulted