More than 90,000 people protested across France on Saturday against rising racism and the growing influence of the far-right, according to the Interior Ministry.
The demonstrations, organized by leftist parties, unions, and human rights groups, came amid accusations that the government is adopting stricter immigration policies to appeal to the far-right.
In Marseille, police estimated 3,300 protesters, while the CGT union claimed 10,000. In Strasbourg, demonstrators denounced racism, with one protester saying he joined to “reject the prevailing racism in society.” Paris saw over 20,000 marchers, with clashes leading to two arrests and three injuries.
Amid the protests, Prime Minister François Bayrou suggested revoking a 1968 agreement granting Algerians special residency rights if Algeria refused to take back deportees.
Protesters also expressed concerns about rising far-right influence globally, warning that Europe’s hardline policies could impact democracy and human rights worldwide.
