France Braces for Massive Anti-Far Right Protests This Weekend
France is set to witness massive nationwide protests against the National Rally (RN) and its leader Jordan Bardella this weekend. Intelligence services are anticipating around 150 'actions' across the country, with a projected turnout of 200,000 to 250,000 participants. The protests are expected to be particularly intense in Paris, where an additional 50,000 to 100,000 demonstrators are anticipated, making the collective count up to 350,000 activists.
The French Ministry of the Interior has warned that unlike the spontaneous gatherings seen earlier in the week, the upcoming demonstrations will be highly organized. The inter-union groups such as the CGT and FSU, left-wing political parties, and human rights associations are the main organizers. While these groups are focused on maintaining order, there is significant concern about radical elements, including 'antifa' and black blocs, potentially causing disruptions, similar to the violent protests against pension reforms earlier this year.
Between January and June 2023, numerous protests quickly descended into violence, resulting in multiple injuries. According to a Parisian commissioner, this weekend could be a 'great release' for an angry populace eager to express its discontent. In both the provinces and Paris, thugs may exploit any oversight by police or union security services to initiate violent actions. Experts expect the ultra-left will target symbols of capitalism such as banks, insurance companies, and political offices near the protests. Besides opposition against Bardella and RN, the protesters are also expected to target slogans against Emmanuel Macron and the police.
Protests To Be Held Across Major Cities
Apart from Paris, cities like Rennes, Nantes, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Dijon, and Grenoble are also on high alert for potential violence. Lyon is expected to face clashes on Sunday, as Saturday is reserved for a pro-Palestinian demonstration. While high school students and suburban areas appear disengaged for now, the situation remains fluid. Notably, the ultra-right has chosen not to counter-demonstrate to avoid being identified as instigators of the trouble. The police are particularly concerned about the possibility of escalating tensions just weeks before the legislative elections and the upcoming Olympic Games.
Nationwide Solidarity and Division
In addition to the protests, five trade union confederations and left-wing parties have called for collective action under the banner 'Popular Front.' Their objective is to mobilize voters against the far-right majority potentially forming in the National Assembly. Despite broad-based support from organizations like France Terre d'Asile, the mobilization against the far right has not been universally endorsed by all unions. FO, the CFTC, and CFE-CGC have opted out, even though recent surveys indicate that a significant number of union supporters are leaning towards RN.
As the protests unfold, France finds itself at a critical juncture, balancing between upholding democratic values and addressing the anger pervasive in its streets.
- Leaders of the left-wing parties and the union heads are urging citizens to join the marches over the weekend. The 'Popular Front,' a coalition of the Socialist Party, the Communist Party, the Ecologists, and La France Insoumise, aims to prevent the far-right from gaining a strong foothold in the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for June 30 and July 7.
- According to a recent Elabe poll for BFMTV and La Tribune, the National Rally (RN) currently commands 31% of voting intentions in the first round, compared to the left's 28%. The processions are set to begin at 2 p.m. from Place de la République in Paris, heading towards Nation via Bastille.
- The CGT has planned one or two events per department and has issued calls to march in numerous cities including Brest, Lille, Strasbourg, Nantes, Grenoble, Marseille, Caen, Saint-Brieuc, and Briançon. Despite the large-scale mobilization, certain unions like FO and the CFTC prefer to maintain their distance, reflecting the complex landscape of union support for RN among their ranks.
