On Saturday, tens of thousands of people in Paris staged large demonstrations against racism and the far-right’s growing influence, with similar demonstrations taking place in various French cities. The government pledged to implement stricter immigration laws and stricter border settings as a result of the marches.
Almost 91, 000 people took part in the protests nationwide, including around 21,500 in Paris, according to the French inside government. In the European capital, conflicts broke out between police officials and some demonstrators, despite the majority of rallies remaining tranquil. A mob police officer was among the three injuries reported by the government, including two arrests. Three more arrests were made in different places.
Worries about global trends and the fall of the far-right
Numerous protesters expressed concern about the rise of conservative political beliefs in both France and the US. Banners with messages urging against the spread of radical politics, such as one that read,” Nazism is gangrene from Washington to Paris” were on display.
A 74-year-old activist named Evelyne Dourille expressed concern about the evolution of far-right speech in France. It’s spooky because far-right tips are becoming more and more prevalent, even among ministers in this state, she said.
A protester from the United States who was present at the Paris march also compared social trends in both countries. The 55-year-old said,” America is saggarding toward fascism.”
Solid voter turnout in all European cities
According to authorities quotes, Lille saw 2, 600 protesters while Marseille saw about 3,300. With phrases like” Against condition Islamophobia” and” Tesla is the new swastika,” activists carried signs denouncing state procedures that were perceived as unfair.
Ines Frehaut, a student at her first opposition, criticized remarks made by conservative Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. It’s critical when you hear what he has to say about wearing the mask, Algeria, and Islam! she said.
calls for action as more and more bigoted instances occur
The demonstrations took place one day after the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Human Rights League and other campaigning organizations warned of an “alarming boost” in racist situations in France. The president of SOS Racisme, Dominique Sopo, also cited the rise in discriminatory and anti-Semitic acts, saying that” there is a global conservative rude against foreigners and their kids, against Muslims.
The left-wing France Unbowed ( LFI ) party faced criticism for publishing an image of Cyril Hanouna, one of France’s most influential right-wing media figures, as part of their campaign encouraging turnout for the protests, which led to the rallies. Haanouna, who was born into a Jewish community of Tunisian origin, was depicted in a way that some people thought was anti-Semitic advertising. LFI members withdrew the picture after the group acknowledged the post was a “mistake” in the face of reaction.
