Far-Right Group Civitas Disrupts Nuit Blanche Event in Paris, Assaults Local Mayor

During the Nuit Blanche cultural event on Saturday evening in Paris, militants from the far-right Catholic extremist group Civitas disrupted an artistic installation inside a church in the 10th arrondissement. The incident escalated when several Civitas members physically confronted local elected officials, including pushing Alexandra Cordebard, the mayor of the 10th arrondissement. Six members of Civitas were taken into custody following the disturbance, with two suspected of having assaulted officials.

This confrontation highlights a growing tension in France where far-right ideology aggressively opposes certain artistic expressions, often cloaked as efforts to defend religious values. The incident is seen as part of a broader cultural battle over freedom of expression, with far-right groups increasingly resorting to intimidation and physical disruptions to cancel or silence artistic works they find objectionable.

Alexandra Cordebard's attack is emblematic of the challenges faced by elected officials and artists alike amid rising extremist pressure. The aggressive act during such a significant cultural event—Nuit Blanche, known for its celebration of contemporary art—marks a serious threat to open artistic dialogue and public cultural life in Paris.

Authorities have responded by detaining key Civitas activists responsible for the disruption, underscoring law enforcement’s commitment to uphold public order and protect freedom of expression. The event serves as a reminder of the increasing polarization surrounding cultural events in France, with far-right factions actively engaging in confrontational tactics to impose their ideological views.