Investigation launched after far-right group performs Nazi salutes in Paris, stirring political tensions

An investigation is underway following a far-right gathering on February 15, 2026, in Paris's 11th arrondissement, where about 50 masked individuals performed Nazi salutes and chanted identity slogans, including calls for "justice for Quentin." The event, organized by far-right activists, ended with the group fleeing upon police arrival; there were no injuries or arrests. This incident occurred amid heightened tensions linked to the recent fatal assault on nationalist activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon.

Police were alerted by an emergency platform, prompting a swift response that dispersed the crowd. Subsequently, an anonymous caller to the 14th arrondissement police warned of planned "ratonnades," or violent attacks, against ethnic minorities near Boulevard de Ménilmontant. This led authorities to increase patrols in affected neighborhoods.

The Paris prosecutor has charged those involved in the gathering with public provocation to discrimination and threats of violence. The following day, swastikas and threatening slogans appeared on the statue of the Republic in central Paris, prompting an investigation into vandalism linked to ethnic, racial, or religious threats. Although no direct connection has been established between the gathering and the vandalism, the city arranged for the site’s prompt cleaning.

In the political aftermath, Mathilde Panot of La France insoumise (LFI) called for exclusion of the identity collective Némésis from LFI meetings and protests to prevent further violence. Panot clarified that she did not seek Némésis's dissolution but warned their presence could have dangerous consequences. The French government suggested ties between the dissolved antifascist group La Jeune garde and recent violent incidents, though Panot denied any official connection between LFI and these groups. This stance drew criticism from Némésis founder Alice Cordier, who accused Panot of issuing threats, and from Sébastien Chenu of the Rassemblement national, who defended free expression without violence.

This cluster of events underscores rising far-right and far-left tensions in France following the death of Quentin Deranque, with authorities actively investigating the illegal gathering and related acts of intimidation.