On Saturday, tens of thousands gathered in Paris and various other cities across France to protest against racism and the increasing influence of far-right ideologies. Some demonstrators criticized the administration of Donald Trump in the United States, while others waved Palestinian flags.
In Paris, there were several confrontations between police and protesters.
These demonstrations occurred against the backdrop of a shift towards the right in French politics, with the government announcing plans to strengthen immigration regulations and border enforcement. Police reported that approximately 62,000 individuals participated in protests nationwide.
Many participants expressed concern over the rising power of reactionary political movements, both in France and the United States.
In the capital, thousands filled the streets, with one sign stating, “Fascism is gangrene from Washington to Paris.”
Evelyne Dourille, a 74-year-old retiree, remarked, “The far right is gaining ground across Europe, which is alarming because we are witnessing far-right ideas becoming increasingly accepted, even among government ministers.”
An American protester echoed this sentiment, suggesting that similar events should occur in the U.S. “America is sliding towards fascism,” stated the 55-year-old woman.
Aurelie Trouve, a member of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, highlighted the rising popularity of Marine Le Pen’s far-right party in France. “Far-right ideas are infiltrating even the government,” she noted.
In Marseille, around 3,300 people participated in the protests, while 2,600 gathered in Lille, according to police reports.
Placards displayed messages such as “Against state Islamophobia” and “Tesla is the new swastika.”
Ines Frehaut, a student participating in her first protest, expressed concern over some remarks made by France’s hardline interior minister.
“It’s serious when you consider what has been said about Islam, Algeria, and the veil,” she remarked.
The demonstrations occurred the day after the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
“The situation is dire,” stated the Human Rights League, highlighting a troubling rise in racist incidents.
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Dominique Sopo, leader of SOS Racisme, noted, “There is a global reactionary movement against foreigners and their children, particularly targeting Muslims,” while also referencing the increase in racist and anti-Semitic acts.
Leading up to the protests, the LFI party sparked controversy in France by sharing an image of Cyril Hanouna, a prominent figure in the country’s right-wing media, as part of a campaign encouraging attendance at the anti-racism demonstrations.
The image featured Hanouna, who comes from a Jewish family that immigrated to France from Tunisia. Critics accused the LFI of echoing anti-Semitic stereotypes reminiscent of the Third Reich. Key members of the LFI later acknowledged that publishing the image was a “mistake,” and it was subsequently retracted.
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