Lyon, August 13 – The Rhône Prefecture has announced the prohibition of a rally in favor of the “Save Europe Act” and “remigration,” which was scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 16, at 6:00 PM in Place Saint-Jean, Lyon. The ban extends across the entire Métropole de Lyon, citing both the discriminatory nature of the initiative and the risk of public disorder.
Rally Deemed Discriminatory and Xenophobic
The prefectural decree explicitly addresses the content of the “Save Europe Act,” a European Citizens’ Initiative supported by sovereignist, identitarian, and national right-wing movements. This initiative advocates for a moratorium on new non-Western immigration channels and promotes a policy of “remigration.” The Prefecture’s order states that this concept targets not only undocumented immigrants but also foreign nationals regardless of their status, and even European citizens of immigrant descent deemed undesirable. Consequently, the ideology is characterized as “xenophobic and racist.”
The planned event aimed to unfurl a 20-meter banner in support of these contentious ideas, which the authorities have deemed incompatible with public peace and national values.
Counter-Rally Already Declared, Heightening Tensions
The decision to ban the rally also comes in response to significant opposition and the organization of a counter-mobilization. A declaration for an anti-fascist and anti-racist counter-demonstration was filed on August 12, intending to gather in front of the Lyon Court of Appeal at 1 Rue du Palais de Justice. Organizations listed by the prefecture as participants in the counter-protest include Young Struggle Lyon, Nous Toutes Rhône, Soulèvement de la Terre Lyon, Union Étudiante Lyon, Lyon Antifa, Extinction Rebellion Lyon, Attac Rhône, and UNEF Lyon.
This widespread opposition underscores the potential for clashes and significant disruption to public order if both events were allowed to proceed simultaneously. The Prefecture’s intervention aims to prevent such a scenario and maintain peace within the city.
Unions Called for Ban, Citing Republican Values
The counter-rally was not the sole voice of opposition. As early as August 10, the departmental union 69 of the CGT (Confédération Générale du Travail) had sent an open letter to the authorities, explicitly requesting the prohibition of the “remigration” rally. The union argued that the initiative promoted “racist” ideas that were “in contradiction with republican values and principles,” and warned of the potential for violence.
The CGT’s intervention highlighted the strong societal condemnation of the proposed rally’s themes, further solidifying the Prefecture’s grounds for intervention. The union’s concerns about the potential for violence and the promotion of divisive ideologies played a crucial role in the official decision-making process.
Public Safety and Order as Primary Concerns
The Prefecture’s decision prioritizes public safety and the prevention of disorder. By prohibiting the rally, authorities aim to mitigate any risks associated with the assembly of groups with conflicting ideologies and to uphold the principles of non-discrimination and social cohesion.
This pre-emptive measure reflects a commitment to maintaining a peaceful civic environment in Lyon, preventing the escalation of tensions, and protecting the rights and safety of all citizens. The ban serves as a clear statement against the propagation of discriminatory rhetoric in public spaces.
