Far-right Extremism and Political Tensions Mark Lyon March in Memory of Quentin Deranque

On February 21, 2026, around 3,200 people participated in a heavily policed march in Lyon to honor Quentin Deranque, a young nationalist who died after an attack by antifascist militants on February 12. The event was organized by Aliette Espieux, who urged participants to avoid political slogans and symbols, aiming to keep the march a tribute rather than a political demonstration. However, the march saw a faction of far-right militants openly display provocative behavior, including Nazi salutes and far-right slogans such as "The extreme left kills," which directly challenged the march's non-political intention.

Despite efforts to maintain order, these extremist acts and racially charged insults were reported, leading the Rhône prefecture to announce plans for legal action against those involved in Nazi salutes and racist provocations. The march drew a variety of participants from across regions, some of whom expressed disappointment over attendance and criticized the Rassemblement national for its lack of support. The mayor of Lyon, Grégory Doucet, a member of the Greens, attempted to ban the march due to concerns over its potential to foment far-right ideology. In contrast, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez allowed it, citing the importance of balancing public order with freedom of expression.

A significant police presence was deployed to monitor the event and prevent violence, resulting in the arrest of one individual for carrying weapons before the march commenced. This careful policing helped ensure the march passed without major incidents despite heightened political tensions.

The march in Lyon highlights the ongoing struggle with political violence and far-right extremism in France, reflecting deep societal divisions and challenges in managing freedom of expression alongside public security. The response from authorities underscores the government's commitment to legally confronting hate symbols and racist behavior, even as debates continue around far-right involvement and political support for such movements.