Paris witnessed massive demonstrations on Saturday as tens of thousands rallied against racism and the growing influence of the far-right, with similar protests unfolding across multiple French cities. The demonstrations took place amid a noticeable shift in French politics, with the government pledging to implement stricter immigration policies and tighter border controls.
According to the French interior ministry, nearly 91,000 people participated in the protests nationwide, including around 21,500 in Paris. While most rallies remained peaceful, clashes broke out between police officers and some demonstrators in the French capital. The ministry reported two arrests and three injuries, including a riot police officer. In other cities, three additional arrests were made.
Concerns over far-right rise and global trends
Many demonstrators expressed fears over the growing traction of reactionary political ideologies, not only in France but also in the United States. Placards carried messages warning against the spread of extremist politics, with one in Paris reading, “Fascism is gangrene from Washington to Paris.”
Evelyne Dourille, a 74-year-old protester, voiced concerns over the normalisation of far-right rhetoric in France. “It’s scary because we see far-right ideas becoming more and more common, even among ministers in this government,” she said.
A protester from the United States, participating in the Paris march, drew parallels between political trends in both nations. “America is sliding towards fascism,” said the 55-year-old.
Strong turnout across French cities
In Marseille, about 3,300 people joined the protests, while Lille saw 2,600 demonstrators, according to police estimates. Protesters carried signs denouncing state policies perceived as discriminatory, with some slogans reading, “Against state Islamophobia” and “Tesla is the new swastika.”
Ines Frehaut, a student attending her first protest, criticized statements made by hardline Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. “When you see what he has said about Islam, Algeria, and the wearing of the veil, it’s serious!” she remarked.
Calls for action amid rising racist incidents
The protests were held a day after the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Advocacy groups, including the Human Rights League, warned of an “alarming increase” in racist incidents in France. “There is a global reactionary offensive against foreigners and their children, against Muslims,” said Dominique Sopo, president of SOS Racisme, also highlighting the rise in racist and anti-Semitic acts.
The rallies were preceded by controversy, as 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. Hanouna, born into a Jewish family of Tunisian descent, was depicted in a way that some critics compared to anti-Semitic propaganda. Amid backlash, LFI members acknowledged the post was a “mistake” and withdrew the image.
