French President Emmanuel Macron urged calm before a march in Lyon organized by far-right groups to honor a man beaten to death in a street fight
TL;DR
French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm ahead of a far-right march in Lyon honoring a killed activist, warning against violence and militias. The event has heightened political tensions and drawn international reactions, with authorities deploying police to prevent clashes.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged calm before a march in Lyon organized by far-right groups to honor a man beaten to death in a street fight
Macron Calls for Calm Ahead of Lyon Protest Over Far-Right Activist’s Death
French President Emmanuel Macron urged restraint ahead of a high-profile march in Lyon on Saturday to honor Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old far-right activist killed in a street fight last week. The protest, organized by far-right groups, has intensified political tensions between Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbowed (LFI), with both sides distancing themselves from the event.
Deranque died from head injuries after being attacked by at least six individuals during clashes on the sidelines of a demonstration against an LFI politician in Lyon. French prosecutors have requested murder charges against seven of the 11 arrested suspects, including two parliamentary assistants to Raphaël Arnault, an LFI MP. Three suspects reportedly linked to ultra-left movements have been charged with intentional homicide.
Macron, addressing reporters in Paris, emphasized that “no violence is legitimate” in France and announced a government review of “violent action groups” linked to political parties. The president, barred from running in the 2027 election, warned against the rise of militias, stating, “There is no place for militias”.
The rally, expected to draw 2,000–3,000 participants, has drawn sharp criticism. Lyon’s mayor and LFI leader Manuel Bompard labeled it a “fascist demonstration,” while National Rally leader Jordan Bardella advised members to avoid the event to prevent association with extremist groups.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez declined to ban the march but pledged an “extremely large police presence” to prevent clashes with counter-protesters.
Internationally, the incident has sparked reactions. U.S. State Department official Sarah Rogers termed the killing “terrorism,” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called it “a wound for all Europe.” Macron rebuffed foreign interference, urging Meloni to focus on domestic affairs.
Deranque’s death has heightened pre-election tensions, with National Rally positioning itself as a potential beneficiary of public unease over political violence. As France navigates a fragile political landscape, Macron’s government faces pressure to address extremism without exacerbating divisions ahead of the 2027 vote.
