Thousands Protest Against Racism and Immigration Policies Across France
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in cities across France, including Paris, to protest against racism and the government’s stricter immigration policies. Some demonstrations escalated into clashes with police, highlighting the growing tensions over the country’s political direction.
The protests come amid a noticeable rightward shift in French politics, with the government vowing to tighten immigration rules and strengthen border controls. According to the interior ministry, nearly 91,000 people participated in protests nationwide, with 21,500 gathering in Paris alone.
In Paris, clashes broke out between police and some demonstrators, resulting in two arrests and three injuries, including one riot police officer. Three additional arrests were reported in other parts of France.
Many protesters expressed concerns about the rise of reactionary political forces, not only in France but also globally, including the United States. Demonstrators in Paris carried signs with messages such as, “Fascism is gangrene from Washington to Paris,” reflecting their fears about the spread of far-right ideologies.
Evelyne Dourille, a 74-year-old retiree, shared her worries: “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.”
Growing Concerns Over Racism
An American protester at the rally emphasized the need for similar demonstrations in the U.S., stating, “America is sliding towards fascism.”
Aurelie Trouve, a lawmaker from the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, warned about the increasing influence of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party. “Far-right ideas are contaminating even the government,” she said.
In Marseille, 3,300 people joined the protests, while 2,600 rallied in Lille, according to police estimates. Demonstrators carried signs with slogans like “Against state Islamophobia” and “Tesla is the new swastika,” reflecting their opposition to rising xenophobia and discrimination.
Ines Frehaut, a student attending her first protest, expressed alarm at recent comments by France’s hardline interior minister. “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, observed the day before. The Human Rights League described the situation as “serious,” warning of an “alarming increase” in racist incidents.
Dominique Sopo, head of SOS Racisme, condemned the “global reactionary offensive against foreigners and their children, against Muslims,” as well as the rise in racist and anti-Semitic acts.
Controversy Over LFI Campaign
Ahead of the protests, the LFI party sparked controversy by releasing an image of Cyril Hanouna, a prominent right-wing media figure, as part of a campaign urging people to attend the anti-racism rallies. Hanouna, who comes from a Jewish family that immigrated from Tunisia, was depicted in a manner that critics argued echoed anti-Semitic tropes from the Third Reich.
The protests underscored the deep divisions in French society over issues of immigration, racism, and the influence of far-right ideologies. As tensions continue to rise, the demonstrations serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and inclusion in France and beyond.
