Gérald Darmanin Proposes Dissolution of Ultra-Right Group GUD
In a recent announcement, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin declared his intention to propose the dissolution of the Groupe Union Défense (GUD), a notorious ultra-right student union known for its violent actions. Speaking on BFMTV, Darmanin emphasized that the GUD adheres to a white supremacist ideology, and his office has been working on this dissolution for the past nine months. This move comes amid a heated legislative campaign where the National Rally (RN) is leading in the polls.
National Rally's Response to the Proposed Dissolution
Jordan Bardella, the young leader of the RN, quickly responded to Darmanin's proposal during a visit to the Eurosatory defense exhibition. Bardella stated, "If tomorrow I am at the head of the country, I will not have any form of tolerance towards those who engage in violence in our country. The ultra-left and ultra-right organizations will be dissolved." He criticized the current government for its perceived leniency towards violent militias, asserting that the RN has always stood against such groups.
The GUD, which has been dormant since 2017, announced its return at the end of 2022. The group has a long history of violent actions and has recently been linked to several high-profile incidents. Notably, Loïk Le Priol, a former GUD member, is the main suspect in the 2021 murder of former Argentine rugby international Federico Martin Aramburu. Additionally, four ultra-right activists, including Gabriel Loustau, were recently sentenced for their involvement in a homophobic attack in Paris. These individuals claimed affiliation with the GUD and the RN during police custody.
Darmanin's announcement also highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to combat ultra-right groups. Previous actions include the dissolution of Zouaves Paris and Génération Identitaire in 2021. Despite the RN's attempts to distance itself from these groups, the connections between GUD members and RN leaders continue to draw scrutiny. Marine Le Pen, a prominent RN figure, has repeatedly denied any links to the ultra-right.
- The GUD, founded in 1968 at the Parisian University of Assas, is recognized by its emblem of a black rat and black flags marked with the Celtic cross. The group has a storied history within the French far-right, often resurfacing in the public eye due to its members' violent activities.
- The RN's leader, Jordan Bardella, has been vocal about his stance against violence, stating that both ultra-left and ultra-right organizations will be dissolved under his leadership. His comments come at a time when the RN is gaining significant traction in the legislative polls.
- Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin's proposal to dissolve the GUD is part of a broader strategy to address extremist groups in France. The government's previous actions against groups like Zouaves Paris and Génération Identitaire demonstrate a continued commitment to this effort.
- Despite the RN's attempts to distance itself from the ultra-right, the ties between GUD members and RN leaders, such as Marine Le Pen, continue to be a point of contention. This ongoing scrutiny underscores the complex relationship between mainstream political entities and extremist groups in France.
