Lyon, March 12, 2026 – A significant “citizen anti-racist and anti-fascist march” is scheduled to take place in Lyon this Saturday, March 14. Organized by Action Justice Climat Lyon, the demonstration aims to protest against what organizers describe as the rise of hatred and fascism in the city. The march is set to begin at 2:30 PM at Place Bellecour, just one day before the first round of the 2026 municipal elections.
March Route and Key Locations
The anti-fascist demonstration, which has received approval from the Rhône Prefecture, will commence from Place Antonin-Poncet. The procession will then move towards Pont de la Guillotière and Quai Claude-Bernard, before heading up Avenue Berthelot. A 15-minute stop is planned in front of the Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation, a significant historical site. The march is expected to conclude around 6:00 PM at Place Jean-Macé.
This event is being held a week prior to the International Day Against Racism and Fascism, observed annually on March 21. Organizers emphasize the importance of this timing, especially with the upcoming municipal elections.
Broad Support from Associations and Political Parties
The call for this march has garnered widespread support from a diverse coalition of organizations. Approximately fifty associations, trade unions, and several political parties have joined the movement. Notable participants include La France Insoumise (LFI), the Nouveau Parti Anticapitaliste (NPA), SOS Homophobie, Nous Toutes Rhône, and CGT Éduc’Action 69. This broad participation underscores the collective concern regarding the issues being protested.
Context: A Reaction to Recent Events
The march follows a previous gathering on March 3, organized by trade unions “against fascist attacks and threats” in Lyon. This earlier protest was a direct response to an attack on a trade union office with an iron bar and a bomb threat, both claimed by individuals identifying with the far-right. These incidents occurred in the wake of the death of Quentin Deranque.
Organizers of Saturday’s march have stated: “We are organizations committed to defending human rights, the rights of migrants and undocumented individuals, workers’ rights, and all people who are victims of discrimination, for the liberation of oppressed peoples and for collective emancipation. We reject the political and media narrative being written in our city. We refuse for hatred, racism, and violence to become a political project for Lyon.”
The demonstration is also a reaction to a tribute march organized in Lyon following the death of Quentin Deranque, which occurred without the consent of his family and involved members of the ultraright. During this controversial march, the prefecture reported several Nazi salutes, further fueling the impetus for the anti-fascist counter-demonstration.
Municipal Elections 2026: A Backdrop to the Protest
The timing of the march, on the eve of the municipal elections, highlights the political dimension of the protest. The organizers aim to send a strong message to political leaders and the public about the importance of combating racism and fascism within the city’s political landscape. The elections themselves have seen various political developments, including recent polls indicating shifts in voter sentiment.
The event is expected to draw a significant number of participants, reflecting the strong sentiments within the community against extremist ideologies. Authorities will be monitoring the march to ensure it remains peaceful and orderly, as it navigates through key areas of Lyon.
Source: actu.fr
