Hara‑Kiri No.152 (Mai 1974), from the unruly French satirical monthly journal bête et méchant, known for its gleefully anarchic political humour and its talent for turning election fever into visual farce. This cover uses theatrical nudity — never presented as erotic, always as absurd stage comedy — to mock political promises and the exaggerated optimism surrounding France’s left‑wing electoral prospects.

The cover shows a man and a woman posed in a deliberately chaotic, celebratory stance, both grinning widely, arms raised, and using exaggerated hand placement to maintain modesty. Their expressions are comically enthusiastic, parodying the idea that if the Left wins, people might suddenly embrace wild liberation or utopian freedom.

Headline:SI LA GAUCHE GAGNE…ON RETIRE NOS MAINS !(“If the Left wins… we’ll take our hands away!”)

It mocks both sides:

• the Left, for its idealistic promises of radical freedom

• the Right, for imagining such freedoms as catastrophic

The staging, bright green background and theatrical body positioning make it feel like a political circus act rather than anything sensual — classic Hara‑Kiri satire.

Cover details:

• HARA‑KIRI masthead in red‑black gothic lettering

• No.152 – Mai 74 – 5 F

• Tagline: journal bête et méchant

• Stock label: 1494

• Mascot logo bottom left

• Soft pastel studio background typical of early‑mid 70s issues

Collectors value this issue for:

• strong political context (1974 French presidential election)

• iconic “liberation” satire imagery

• rarity of early‑1974 editions

• high visual impact and classic Hara‑Kiri irreverence

• association with one of the magazine’s best‑known election covers

Condition (from the photo):

• Light wear along upper edge

• Plastic sleeve reflections present

• Colours vivid, especially skin tones and green backdrop

• No major creases or tears visible

• Spine appears straight with expected vintage softness

A memorable example of Hara‑Kiri’s political mischief, capturing the absurd hope and panic surrounding the French Left’s growing influence in the mid‑70s.