PARIS: In a series of large demonstrations across France, tens of thousands took to the streets to protest racism and the government’s more stringent immigration policies. The protests, which took place in major cities including Paris, saw some rallies turn violent, leading to clashes with police.
Protesters also expressed discontent with the United States’ political climate, criticizing the administration of former President Donald Trump. In Paris, police were engaged in tense confrontations with demonstrators, with the situation escalating as some protesters clashed with authorities.
These rallies were sparked by concerns over France’s shifting political direction, as the government has vowed to introduce tougher immigration laws and tighter border controls. According to the Ministry of the Interior, around 91,000 people participated in protests across the country, with 21,500 attending the Paris rally. The protests also took place against the backdrop of increasing far-right political influence both within France and beyond its borders.
The clashes in Paris resulted in two arrests and three injuries, including a riot police officer. In other parts of the country, additional arrests were made as tensions mounted.
Many protesters in Paris expressed their worries about the rise of far-right ideologies, carrying placards with messages like “Fascism is gangrene from Washington to Paris.” Some participants voiced concern about the spread of these political forces not only in France but also globally, particularly in the United States.
Evelyne Dourille, a 74-year-old protester, shared her alarm: “The far-right is on the rise everywhere in Europe. It’s frightening because in France, we see far-right ideas becoming more and more common, even among ministers in this government.”
A protester from the U.S. warned about the direction the country was heading, stating, “America is sliding towards fascism.”
Aurelie Trouve, a lawmaker from the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, also raised concerns about the growing popularity of Marine Le Pen’s far-right party in France. “Far-right ideas are contaminating even the government,” she said.
Other cities, such as Marseille and Lille, also saw significant participation, with demonstrators calling attention to issues like state Islamophobia. Placards reading “Tesla is the new swastika” and “Against state Islamophobia” were seen among the crowds.
Ines Frehaut, a student attending her first protest, spoke out against recent remarks by France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, calling them serious and alarming. “When you see what Bruno Retailleau has said about Islam, Algeria, and the wearing of the veil, it’s serious!” she said.
The protests coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, with the Human Rights League issuing a statement warning of an “alarming increase” in racist incidents. SOS Racisme, led by Dominique Sopo, condemned the “global reactionary offensive against foreigners and their children, against Muslims,” as well as the rise in anti-Semitic and racist acts.
The protests were also marred by controversy when the LFI party published an image of Cyril Hanouna, a prominent French media figure, as part of their campaign to encourage attendance at the anti-racism rallies. The image sparked outrage, with critics accusing the LFI of invoking anti-Semitic tropes. The party later apologized, admitting it was a “mistake” and removing the image.
