Thousands of French citizens took to the streets on Saturday, June 15th, in an attempt to stop a surge in support for the far right party, which is on the brink of coming into power for the first time in the history of the Fifth Republic. Demonstrations were held in cities all over France, with 250,000 people according to the police and 182 rallies reported by the CGT labor union, who called for the protests along with four other unions, several associations, and left-wing parties. While most of the rallies were peaceful, some clashes led to 20 arrests in France, including 9 in Paris, and 16 nationwide, with 5 in Paris.
The atmosphere at the protests was charged with a sense of urgency and determination, as people of all ages and backgrounds gathered to make their voices heard. Many felt a mix of anxiety and determination, unsure of what the outcome of the upcoming legislative elections would be but determined to fight against the rise of the far right. One protester, a 54-year-old history and geography teacher, expressed his belief that the left may not win the elections but could prevent the far-right party from gaining a majority. Others shouted slogans like “We will not give up!” and “It’s not over!” as they marched through the streets.
In Marseille, a young woman named Axelle Beaumont carried a homemade sign that read “The youth will not tolerate the National Front”. She spoke of her fear of the far-right party gaining power and their potential inhumane treatment of climate refugees. However, she also expressed hope in the formation of the New Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing groups, and believed that if egos were put aside, they could be successful. The dissolution of political parties by President Emmanuel Macron has sparked a renewed sense of hope in many protesters, who are still holding out for a change in the political landscape.
One protester in Strasbourg, named Mélanie, held a sign that read “Meloni, Trump, Bardalla. Get me out of here!” in reference to far-right figures. The rally was kicked off by the city’s Green party mayor, and Mélanie expressed her desire for the New Popular Front to rise to the occasion and not back down in the face of threats to human rights. The protesters aimed to show their support for the coalition and to urge them to stay committed to their cause. Despite the challenges ahead, the demonstrators remained determined and hopeful for a different political future.
Overall, the protests across France on June 15th brought together a diverse group of individuals who were united in their opposition to the far right and their determination to fight for a more inclusive and progressive society. The demonstrations marked a pivotal moment in French politics, with many hoping for a shift away from the far-right influence that threatened to take hold. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency and defiance, as people from all walks of life gathered to make their voices heard and push back against the rise of extremism in the country.
