Macron appeals for calm ahead of rally honouring killed activist video

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm ahead of a planned rally in Lyon honouring a far-right activist whose killing has intensified political tensions across France.

Quentin Deranque was fatally beaten last week by a group of attackers on the sidelines of a protest against the hard-left La France Insoumise (LFI). His death has since become a focal point of political confrontation as rival groups prepare demonstrations in the city.

Macron urged “everyone to remain calm” before Saturday’s rally for Deranque, which authorities allowed to proceed under heavy security despite the Lyon mayor’s request that it be banned, as per foreign media.

The gathering is expected to attract up to 3,000 participants, while counterprotests are also anticipated.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Friday that an “extremely large police deployment” had been organized, including reinforcements brought in from outside Lyon to maintain order during the event.

Investigators have detained at least 11 people in connection with the killing, including one individual reportedly working as an assistant to a hard-left member of parliament. The case has further strained the political climate ahead of municipal elections scheduled for March and the 2027 presidential race.

The far-right National Rally (RN) urged its supporters to avoid taking part in Saturday’s rallies, while simultaneously portraying the hard left as the main threat facing France. LFI has condemned the killing.

Deranque’s death also triggered strong reactions abroad. The US State Department described the attack as “terrorism” and blamed rising “violent radical leftism,” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the killing “a wound for all Europe.” Macron responded by telling her to stay out of France’s internal affairs.

As investigations continue, the French government plans to convene a meeting next week focused on “violent action groups which are active and have links with political parties.”

“In the Republic, no violence is legitimate,” Macron said Saturday. “There is no place for militias, no matter where they come from.”

By Tamilla Hasanova