PARIS: Thousands took to the streets of Paris on Saturday despite cold and rainy weather to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and denounce racism and xenophobia in France.
Organized by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) and the France-Palestine Solidarity Association, the rally started from the Place de la Republique. Under the slogan “In the streets and in the minds,” the demonstrators condemned far-right ideologies and criticized the government for policies perceived to align with such ideas.
French teacher Julien highlighted concerns about the normalization of exclusionary ideas and recent laws announced by President Emmanuel Macron’s government, including immigration reforms and bans on religious clothing in schools.
Support for Palestinians in France
In a separate rally under the slogan “Stop genocide, Palestine Solidarity,” demonstrators demanded an immediate ceasefire to protect the lives of Palestinians in Gaza. French MP Eric Coquerel, representing La France Insoumise (LFI), participated in this march to denounce both far-right nationalism and the ongoing brutalities in Gaza.
Coquerel’s visit to Rafah on the Gaza-Egypt border underscored the urgency of ending the Israeli military offensive and the plight of the Palestinian people.
Since October 7, French politicians have had divided opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, with far-right parties and the French government voicing unconditional support for Israel, while LFI leaders have faced criticism for their stance on Palestinian resistance.
The presence of LFI at a ceremony to honor French victims of violence in Israel sparked controversy, with some families of victims accusing the party of not condemning Palestinian resistance group sufficiently. In response, LFI figures called for recognition of French citizens killed by Israeli bombardments in Gaza.
