France's Macron: calls for calm ahead of March for far-right activist killed last week
TL;DR
French President Macron urges calm after the killing of far-right activist Quentin Deranque, which has heightened political tensions between far-right and far-left groups ahead of elections. The incident has sparked domestic and international disputes, with calls for restraint to prevent violence and maintain stability.
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France's Macron: calls for calm ahead of March for far-right activist killed last week
France’s Macron Urges Restraint Amid Political Tensions Following Far-Right Activist’s Death
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm and restraint amid escalating political tensions following the fatal beating of 23-year-old far-right activist Quentin Deranque last week. The incident, which occurred during a protest in Lyon against a speech by hard-left European Parliament member Rima Hassan, has intensified divisions between France’s far-right and far-left factions ahead of municipal elections in March and the 2027 presidential race.
Deranque, identified as part of the anti-immigration feminist group Nemesis, was attacked by at least six individuals, with prosecutors now seeking murder charges against seven suspects, including an assistant to hard-left MP Raphael Arnault. Lyon prosecutor Thierry Dran emphasized the need to prevent “disturbance to public order,” as 11 individuals remain in custody.
The case has sparked calls for political accountability, with Macron condemning “movements that adopt and legitimise violence” and urging all parties to “clean up” their rhetoric.
The incident has also strained international relations, notably between France and Italy. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the killing as “a wound for all of Europe,” prompting Macron to retort that critics should “stay in their own lane”. Meloni later clarified her remarks as an expression of solidarity, while Italy’s foreign minister referenced historical parallels to political violence during Italy’s “Years of Lead.”
Domestically, the far-right National Rally (RN) has accused Macron’s government of enabling hard-left extremism, while the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party faces scrutiny over alleged ties to the attackers. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has directed authorities to heighten vigilance around political gatherings.
With political polarization deepening, the incident underscores risks to social stability and investor confidence ahead of critical elections. Macron’s repeated emphasis on de-escalation reflects concerns over a “spiral of violence” that could disrupt France’s economic and political trajectory. As investigations continue, the outcome may influence public trust in institutions and shape the electoral landscape in 2027.
