Macron urges calm ahead of rallies for slain far-right activist Quentin Deranque

Politics

Macron urges calm ahead of rallies for slain far-right activist Quentin Deranque

1 hour ago

News sources:

LEMONDE

THELOCAL

REUTERS

Macron urges calm ahead of rallies for slain far-right activist Quentin Deranque

Credited from: LEMONDE

Macron calls for calm ahead of rallies for far-right activist Quentin Deranque, killed last week.
The rallies, expected to attract up to 3,000 attendees, are held under high security due to potential counter-protests.
Deranque’s death has heightened political tensions between left and right factions in France.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm ahead of rallies scheduled for Saturday in memory of slain far-right activist Quentin Deranque. Macron noted that a government meeting would address the issue of "violent action groups" following the fatal beating of Deranque, which has escalated tensions ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. Deranque died after being attacked by at least six individuals during a demonstration against a left-wing politician in Lyon last week, igniting thoughts about political violence in France, according to Le Monde and Reuters.

At an agricultural fair in Paris, Macron emphasized that "no violence is legitimate" and stated there is no room for militias in the Republic. He confirmed that the government is prepared to ensure safety at the rallies, which could see up to 3,000 participants and potential counter-protests from the hard left. "The government will be on alert," he asserted, underlining the potential for clashes between opposing factions, according to The Local and Reuters.