Nationwide White Marches Honor Mehdi Kessaci Amid Calls for Action Against Drug Trafficking

On November 22, 2025, France witnessed a series of white marches and political gatherings held in memory of Mehdi Kessaci, a 20-year-old who was tragically murdered in Marseille. The main event took place at the Claudie d'Arcy roundabout in Marseille’s 4th arrondissement, where thousands gathered dressed in white, heeding the call from Mehdi's brother and environmental activist Amine Kessaci to stand united against drug trafficking and violence.

Prominent political figures from across the spectrum turned out to show solidarity, including Marine Tondelier, Olivier Faure, Manuel Bompard, François-Xavier Bellamy, and government officials like spokesperson Maud Bregeon and Minister Vincent Jeanbrun. The President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, also attended, signaling national unity on the issue. While the National Rally largely abstained at the national level, some local representatives were present. Strict security measures accompanied the demonstrations, reflecting the seriousness of the narcotrafic threat, which authorities acknowledge rivals terrorism in scale.

Parallel marches and gatherings took place in Paris, Toulouse, Lyon, and Rennes, with approximately 200 people attending in Rennes despite poor weather. There, local political candidates emphasized the importance of increased municipal police presence and social initiatives to address narcotrafic. The rally in Marseille saw a moving moment when Amine Kessaci's voice was broadcast, urging communities to reclaim their neighborhoods, while Mehdi’s mother, Ouassila, emotionally confronted drug traffickers, questioning their legacy and lamenting the loss of innocent lives.

The collective response underscores widespread frustration and fear in affected communities, particularly disadvantaged neighborhoods, as well as a united call for government action. Investigations into Mehdi’s killing are ongoing, exploring connections to intimidation linked to activism. These nationwide demonstrations and political mobilizations mark a significant development in the fight against narcotrafic in France, especially as municipal elections approach with public safety high on the agenda.