Tens of thousands in France protest against racism and far-right

Tens of thousands of people marched in Paris and other French cities Saturday, protesting against racism and the growing influence of far-right politics. Some demonstrators carried Palestinian flags, while others took aim at former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The protests came amid France’s political shift to the right, with the government pledging tougher immigration laws and stricter border controls. Police estimated that around 62,000 people participated in rallies across the country.

In Paris, where thousands gathered, tensions flared as police clashed with some demonstrators. Among the placards, one read, “Fascism is gangrene from Washington to Paris.”

“The far right is on the rise everywhere in Europe,” said Evelyne Dourille, a 74-year-old pensioner. “It’s scary because far-right ideas are becoming more mainstream, even within the government.”

Some protesters warned of similar trends in the United States. “America is sliding towards fascism,” said a 55-year-old American demonstrator.

Aurelie Trouvé, a left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party lawmaker, pointed to the rising popularity of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party. “Far-right ideas are contaminating even the government,” she said.

Thousands of people protested against racism and the rise of the far right in Paris and other French cities.AFP

Protests were also held in other cities, with 3,300 demonstrators in Marseille and 2,600 in Lille, according to police. Signs included messages like “Against state Islamophobia” and “Tesla is the new swastika.”

Ines Frehaut, a student attending her first protest, said she was alarmed by comments made by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. “When you hear what he says about Islam, Algeria, and the veil, it’s serious,” she said.

The rallies took place a day after the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Rights groups warned of a surge in racist acts.

A protester holds a placard depicting France's hardline Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau during a rally.AFP

“The situation is serious,” the Human Rights League said, citing an “alarming increase” in discrimination. Dominique Sopo, head of SOS Racisme, added, “There is a global reactionary offensive against foreigners and their children, against Muslims.”

The protests followed controversy surrounding LFI’s use of an image of Cyril Hanouna, a Jewish media personality of Tunisian descent, in its rally campaign.

Critics accused the party of fueling anti-Semitic tropes, prompting LFI leaders to retract the image, calling its publication a “mistake.”