France: Right-wing extremists march in demonstrations – criticism of the police

Many people in France continue to protest against social injustice, and there were also clashes between demonstrators and security forces at the weekend. Now there is a stir about the appearances of right-wing extremist groups at the demonstrations - and criticism of the police.

According to research by the newspaper “Libération,” right-wing groups marched in Nice, Montpellier, Lille, Nantes, Rennes, Dijon, Bordeaux, Bayonne, Tours, Rouen, Toulouse, Caen, Clermont-Ferrand, Lyon, Bordeaux and Brest. Video footage from Nancy in eastern France is said to show how right-wing extremists first attacked left-wing demonstrators, then retreated behind a line of riot police and then joined the police when the officers advanced to attack demonstrators.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez is now countering reports that the police protected right-wing extremists. "I want to put an end to these rumors once and for all, of course the police didn't protect them," Nuñez told the broadcaster BFMTV. "At no time did they work with police and gendarmes."

There have been calls from right-wing extremist, identitarian and nationalist groups to come to city centers to supposedly protect shops from looting, the minister said. "And the police officers were actually able to identify clashes that they put an end to."

France's left criticizes police action

The coordinator of France's Left Party, Manuel Bompard, had previously alleged that all demonstrations were banned in Nice, "with the exception of the fascists, who were able to roam the city armed with knives and iron bars to attack passers-by." Bompard asked on X whether the right-wing extremists were protected by the interior minister or the right-wing mayor of Nice.

According to the public prosecutor's office in Nice, eleven right-wing extremists were arrested for acts of violence. Among them is a minor who will be brought before the juvenile judge. The ten adult suspects would have to appear in court on Tuesday for forming a criminal organization and carrying weapons. Applications for pre-trial detention would be made.

France-wide demonstrations against high living costs and for better education were accompanied by serious riots just over a week ago. A large police presence prevented riots and damage to the same extent during renewed protests last weekend.