Paris: Thousands of people took to the streets of France, including in Paris, where protests against racism and far-right politics are growing, with some demonstrations becoming tense as police clashes with protesters.
Some protesters criticized Donald Trump’s U.S. administration. In Paris, there was a clash between police and some protesters.
The rally took place in a right-hand turn in French politics, with the government pledging to tighten immigration policies and border controls.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, nearly 91,000 people participated in the protests in France and 21,500 people participated in the Paris rally.
The ministry said the two were arrested, including a riot policeman, including injuries in the Paris conflict. In other parts of France, three more arrests were made.
Many protesters stressed the growing power of reactionary political forces, not only in France, but in the United States.
In Paris, thousands of people are filled with signs on the streets, including: “Fascism is gangrene from Washington to Paris.”
Evelyne Dourille, 74, expressed her concerns: “The far right is rising across Europe. It’s frightening because in France we’re seeing the far right thinking becoming more common, even among ministers in this administration.”
“Shocking Growth” of Racism
A U.S. protester said similar demonstrations were needed in the United States.
“The United States is gliding towards fascism,” the 55-year-old woman said.
Left-wing France (LFI) MP Aurelie Trouve warned that Marine Le Pen’s far-right party is becoming increasingly popular.
“Even the government, the far-right ideas are polluted,” she said.
According to police reports, in Marseille, 3,300 people participated in the protests, while 2,600 people gathered in Lille.
Some protesters carried placards that read “For the National Islamophobia” and “Tesla is the new swastika”.
Student Ines Frehaut, who participated in her first protest, warned of comments from the French Minister of Hardline Interior.
“When you see what Bruno Retailleau said about Islam, Algeria and the wear of the veil, it’s serious!” she said.
The protests took place the day after the international day to eliminate racial discrimination.
“The situation is serious,” the Human Rights Alliance said.
Dominique Sopo, head of racism at SOS, condemned the “global reactionary offensive against Muslims against foreigners and their children” and the rise of racism and anti-Semitism.
The protests ahead of the protests, the LFI party sparked controversy in the image of Cyril Hanouna, one of France’s most influential right-wing media figures, as part of a campaign to urge people to attend anti-racist rallies.
Born in a Jewish family immigrating from Tunisia, Hanouna played in images spoken by critics, an anti-Semitic metaphor for the Third Reich.
The key LFI number later admitted that posting an image was a “error” and withdrew the image.
