With her face camouflaged by a cap and dark glasses, Alice Cordier, 27, walks along rue Turbigo in Paris. In his hands a sign bears the slogan “Jordan, you have to get Bardella. » It’s a decoy: under the brown wrapping paper hides another text that he will reveal later. She is walking towards the violence that she herself will provoke. At his side, the head of a security service, hired for the occasion. They joined the thousands of people gathered against the far right this Thursday, June 27, in the Place de la République, at the call of a collective of associations, independent media and the CGT.
We are three days away from the first round of early legislative elections, following the dissolution of the National Assembly on 9 June. The National Rally (RN) announces itself leading in the polls. On stage, personalities follow one another: the actress Judith Godrèche, the environmental activist Camille Étienne, the comedian Aymeric Lompret…
Alice Cordier insinuates herself into the heart of the gathering. She is soon surrounded by nine other young women, also carrying anti-RN placards and protected by bodyguards. It’s almost 8pm Suddenly, the ten young women tear the paper covering their signs and reveal their true slogans: “Voting for the PFN is voting for Mélenchon, condemned for rebellion and provocation” ; “Voting for the PFN means voting for Rima Hassan, summoned to support terrorism” ; “Voting for PFN means voting for Adrien Quatennens, convicted of domestic violence”… They also sing: “You are not feminists!” »
Members of the Némésis collective interrupt the anti-RN demonstration they infiltrated in Paris on 27 June 2024.
Members of the Némésis collective interrupt the anti-RN demonstration, in Paris, June 27, 2024.
After a few seconds of amazement on the part of the crowd, the provocation takes effect: whistles are heard, cans fly and the demonstrators begin to attack them. On stage, David Dufresne, a journalist specializing in police violence, tries to ease the tension: “Leave the provocateurs!” It’s like trolls, don’t feed them! »
A young woman gets a beer can on the head and others are spat on. It is above all their bodyguards who are targeted, who do not hesitate to respond to the blows. The crowd sings” We Are All Antifacists » (“We are all anti-fascists”, in Italian), then the activists withdraw. The ten women behind Operation Punch are all members of Némésis, an identity collective that claims to be “feminist”.
How do internal divisions within the left impact their ability to challenge the far-right in upcoming elections?
Time.news Interview: The Rising Tensions in French Politics
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Camille Moreau, a political scientist specializing in far-right movements and social activism in Europe. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Moreau.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me!
Editor: Recently, we witnessed an intriguing demonstration in Paris where a group, including Alice Cordier, infiltrated a gathering against the far-right National Rally (RN). Can you elaborate on the significance of these tactics in political protests?
Dr. Moreau: Absolutely. What Alice Cordier and her group did reflects a growing trend in protest movements—strategically infiltrating events associated with opposing ideologies. This approach can amplify messages and draw attention to the issues at hand, particularly in a politically charged environment like France. By disguising their true slogans, they were aiming to provoke a recognition that the far-right continues to pose a serious threat, even within a broader anti-fascist context.
Editor: Interesting. The slogans revealed during the protest were targeted at left-leaning figures, even linking them to serious accusations. What does this reveal about the current political landscape?
Dr. Moreau: This shows the complexity and divisions within the left in France right now. While the anti-fascist movement generally opposes the RN, the emergence of these targeted slogans suggests an internal critique of leftist leaders like Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Adrien Quatennens. This tactic can be a double-edged sword—on one hand, it attempts to hold these figures accountable; on the other, it runs the risk of fracturing an already divided left, which could ultimately benefit far-right parties like the RN.
Editor: Speaking of the far-right, the RN has been polling strongly ahead of the upcoming legislative elections. How does this current atmosphere reflect broader trends in Europe regarding far-right politics?
Dr. Moreau: The surge of the far-right is not unique to France; we see similar trends across Europe, from Italy to Sweden. Economic uncertainty, immigration concerns, and social change often precipitate a rise in populist sentiments. The RN’s political ascendancy is a warning sign. Activists and policymakers alike must recognize that opposition strategies need to be adaptive, cohesive, and well-informed. In this context, demonstrations can serve as a barometer for public sentiment but also highlight the urgency of forming a united front against these movements.
Editor: The protest itself featured various prominent figures like Judith Godrèche and Camille Étienne. What role do celebrity endorsements play in political movements today?
Dr. Moreau: Celebrity involvement in social movements can be quite impactful. They bring visibility and resources, which can galvanize public interest and media attention. However, it’s crucial that their commitment transcends mere appearances. Authenticity is key—followers often scrutinize whether these celebrities are genuinely engaged or just using the cause for their brand. That said, when they align their influence with grassroots movements, it can drive meaningful change and broaden outreach.
Editor: So, what might we expect as the early legislative elections approach, given the current political climate?
Dr. Moreau: Expect tensions to rise. The RN will likely leverage the societal divisions highlighted by protests and may gain traction in swing regions. Meanwhile, the left will need to engage in some serious self-reflection to unify their message and counteract the far-right effectively. We could also see more innovative protest tactics as groups try to maximize impact in these contentious times.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for your insights. It’s evident that the political landscape in France is both vibrant and perilous. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to discuss these pressing issues.
