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PARIS: A Wave of Protests Against Racism
On March 22, 2025, thousands of individuals gathered in various cities across France, including Paris, to voice their opposition to racism and the increasing influence of far-right politics. Tensions escalated during some demonstrations, leading to confrontations between police and protesters.
Particular criticisms were directed toward the former U.S. administration under Donald Trump. In Paris, clashes broke out as law enforcement and some attendees collided during the demonstrations.
These protests occurred against a backdrop of a rightward shift in French politics, with the government announcing intentions to tighten immigration regulations and border security.
The French interior ministry reported that approximately 91,000 individuals participated in protests nationwide, with about 21,500 people rallying in Paris alone. The ministry also confirmed that two arrests were made, and injuries were reported for three individuals, including a riot police officer. In total, three additional arrests took place elsewhere in France.
Many demonstrators condemned the rising power of reactionary political movements, recognizing a concerning trend not only in France but also in the United States. In Paris, throngs took to the streets, waving placards with messages such as, "Fascism is a disease from Washington to Paris."
Evelyne Dourille, a 74-year-old retiree, expressed her alarm: "The far-right is gaining momentum across Europe. It’s alarming as, in France, we’re seeing these ideas infiltrating even among ministers in the current government."
‘Worrying Surge’ in Racism
One American protester articulated the urgency for similar demonstrations to take place in the U.S. "America is sliding toward fascism," remarked a 55-year-old woman.
Aurelie Trouve, a member of the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party, raised concerns over the growing popularity of Marine Le Pen’s far-right party, emphasizing, "Far-right ideologies are becoming ingrained within the government."
In Marseille, approximately 3,300 people joined the protests, while around 2,600 rallied in Lille, according to local police reports. Many participants carried signs proclaiming "Against state Islamophobia" and "Tesla is the new swastika."
Ines Frehaut, a student attending her first protest, expressed disquiet over recent statements made by France’s hardline interior minister. "What Bruno Retailleau has said regarding Islam, Algeria, and the wearing of the veil is serious!" she stated.
These demonstrations took place just a day after the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Human Rights League described the situation as "serious," warning about a "worrying surge" in racist incidents.
Dominique Sopo, head of SOS Racisme, condemned the "global reactionary offensive against foreigners and their children, against Muslims," along with the increase in racist and anti-Semitic incidents.
In the lead-up to the protests, the LFI party sparked controversy by sharing an image of Cyril Hanouna, a prominent right-wing media figure in France, in a campaign promoting attendance at the anti-racism rallies. Critics accused this move of perpetuating anti-Semitic tropes reminiscent of the Third Reich. LFI leaders later acknowledged that using the image was a "mistake" and retracted it.
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