“I would have a lot to fear if this kind of party came to power”: in Orléans, a march to say no to the National Rally

Strange day this Saturday, October 24 in Orléans: city center completely deserted since this morning, businesses closed and covered with wooden slabs, tram stopped, curfew at 9 p.m. for minors under 15... And in the middle of this seemingly frozen day, a procession of thousands of demonstrators, very lively, very festive. When Marine Le Pen officially launched her campaign for 2027, the demonstrators wanted to show their fear that she would achieve her goals.

“It’s time to mobilize, all together, without any exclusion, because the fascist danger is at our doors.”

A protester in Orléans

at franceinfo

The demonstrators are worried about what would happen if Marine Le Pen accessed the Élysée, and say they do not believe in demonization at all. “The part of the population to which I belong would have a lot to fear if this kind of party came to power. A mixed-race woman, I represent everything they hate,” said a young participant in the procession. Another adds: "Some of my relatives are veiled Muslim women, and when we see that today the only thing they have to propose in the public debate is to ban the veil, that's worrying."

These messages were passed calmly, with supervision by the union security services who were very present, but who will not be there on Sunday, hence the fear of the authorities who are banning the planned gatherings. The intelligence services fear the arrival of radical elements who would seek to disrupt or prevent Marine Le Pen from speaking.