French interior minister pledges tight security at rally for slain far-right activist
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The French interior minister has announced a significant police presence at an upcoming rally in Lyon to honor slain far-right activist Quentin Deranque, following his fatal beating by a group linked to the hard-left movement. The incident has heightened tensions ahead of key elections, including municipal polls later this month and next year's presidential race, where the far-right National Rally party is seen as a strong contender. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez emphasized the need for security, stating that authorities would deploy "extremely large" police forces, including reinforcements from outside Lyon, to ensure public order.
Deranque, a 23-year-old activist, died from head injuries after being attacked by at least six individuals during a protest against a France Unbowed (LFI) politician in Lyon. His death has sparked widespread anger among far-right supporters, who are organizing a march to honor him on Saturday. While the rally is expected to draw 2,000-3,000 participants, it is likely to face counter-protesters from the hard-left faction. The leftist mayor of Lyon initially requested the event be banned, but Nunez declined, citing the importance of balancing public order with freedom of expression.
President Emmanuel Macron has condemned violence on all sides, calling for both far-right and hard-left groups to address their radical tendencies. Meanwhile, National Rally leader Jordan Bardella urged party members to avoid attending the rally, fearing it could further polarize the situation. Hard-left figures, such as LFI coordinator Manuel Bompard, have labeled the event a "fascist demonstration," accusing organizers of inviting neo-Nazis from across Europe.
The incident highlights the deepening political divide in France and the growing influence of far-right movements ahead of crucial elections. The case has also raised questions about how authorities handle such high-tension events, particularly when they risk escalating violence. As the country approaches key voting cycles, the
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on France 24 on 2/20/2026