Macron and Meloni clash over killing of French far-right activist in Lyon
Al Jazeera
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A clash between French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has intensified over the killing of Quentin Deranque, a French far-right activist who was beaten to death during a protest in Lyon. Meloni condemned the violence, linking it to left-wing extremism and calling it a "wound for all of Europe" on social media. Macron responded sharply, accusing Meloni of interfering in France's internal affairs and advising her to "stay in her own lane." The incident has sparked tensions between the two leaders, with Meloni later clarifying that she did not intend to interfere but emphasized the need to address ideologies that foster extremism.
The killing occurred during a far-right protest on February 12, leaving Deranque dead and seven individuals, including an assistant to a far-left France Unbowed (LFI) lawmaker, facing murder charges. Lyon prosecutor Thierry Dran revealed that Jacques-Elie Favrot, an assistant to LFI parliamentarian Raphael Arnault, was among those detained for complicity through instigation. The case has deepened divisions between the far-right and far-left in France, especially as municipal elections approach in March and the presidential race looms in 2027.
Macron and Meloni have a history of political sparring, with differences over issues like Ukraine, trade, and European policy. Meloni referenced Italy's "Years of Lead" (1969-1980), when Marxist extremists like the Red Brigades carried out attacks, and criticized France for offering asylum to their members. This historical context underscores the broader ideological tensions shaping the current conflict.
The clash highlights the growing influence of far-right movements in France, where opinion polls suggest they could lead the 2027 presidential race. As Macron approaches the end of his term, the incident underscores how internal political divisions
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/19/2026