Paris police said 3,000 people gathered in Paris on Monday evening, at a demonstration against the far right, which made historic gains in the European elections on Sunday. Other gatherings took place around the country.

Thousands of people gathered in several cities across France on Monday, June 10, in the evening, following the far-right Rassemblement National’s surge at the polls in the European elections and French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of a dissolution of the Assemblée Nationale.

Paris police said 3,000 people had gathered on the Place de la République in Paris at 8 pm. Many of them were young people, chanting with middle fingers raised, slogans such as “Everybody hates Marine Le Pen.”

The prospect of having a far-right prime minister in three weeks terrifies me,” said Alice, a 24-year-old student. Alba Bourreau, 19, an arts student, was taking part in her “first political demonstration,” having voted on Sunday for the first time, saying she’s “ready to come and demonstrate as much as we need to.” “We’ve come to mobilize against fascism, and because we’re fed up with this image that France votes right or far right. The left also exists. It’s in the streets tonight,” said Luna, 19.

    • Weirdmusic@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      Real power comes from the ballot box. No point in demonstrating if you don’t vote.

      • TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        I mean I think this represents the core of Macrons strategy. Force the issue. Don’t wait. Get people emotionally worked up and do so quickly. Don’t wait for things to cool off.

        • Sanctus@lemmy.world
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          2 months ago

          Let’s hope it works. It fucken sucks watching the world turn right when we need to embrace real solutions and unity to overcome these new challengesm. Not deny them and drink the juice.

          • TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world
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            2 months ago

            It definitely fits the bill of the “bold move Cotton” meme template.

            I personally side with WWII General Pattons quote on planning:

            "“A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.”

            Too many political leaders think they have until next week to figure out how to deal with the rising tide of fascism globally. They don’t. If Macron thinks he’s got the nuts or at least a hand that plays, I say push the chips. Because next week you won’t have a stronger position.

      • inlandempire@jlai.lu
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        2 months ago

        I would argue voting is one of the lowest forms of participation in the political life of one’s country, but that’s not a debate I’m ready to have at this hour

      • menas@lemmy.wtf
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        2 months ago

        Macron has been elected has an opposition to the far right. After increase exiled deportation and people killed by the police, he decide to dissolute the assembly and literally build a straight way to the first far right french government since WWII

        So no, ballot boy is the smallest kind of power. It’s still is, but the was never a concrete left government without insurrection strike (popular front 1936) or armed unioniste (1946).

        • Burn_The_Right@lemmy.world
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          2 months ago

          If he did nothing, he could be ousted and the conservatism would get even worse. We are at the edge of complete fascist domination in the EU and the US. Desperate times call for bold moves. He made the smart play, given that doing nothing will almost certainly result in a far right take-over.

          • Miaou@jlai.lu
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            2 months ago

            The smart thing would have been not to give away the European elections to Bardella. He deserves no praise for gambling our country on 4d-chess political moves. He wants to be De Gaulle, but he’s looking more like a Hindenburg.

      • Hacksaw@lemmy.ca
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        2 months ago

        A snap election isn’t instant lol. An election committee gets formed, a date is set a few months ahead, politicians register and campaign, polling stations are formed and staffed. It’s a lot of work. It’s like the US but faster and less predictable and therefore not 18 months nightmare of propaganda.

  • Jeena@piefed.jeena.net
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    2 months ago

    I remember those demonstrations against the far right in Germany just two month ago or something. Back then I was saying that if this is really an issue for people then they need to show it during the election by voting.

    We’re just now shortly after during the EU elections and who is the biggest winner in Germany? Yes you guessed it right, the AFD, the far right, being now the second biggest party.

    Those protests don’t seem to reach the people who then go to vote.

    • Mora@pawb.social
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      2 months ago

      Except they did reach. Back in December polls showed the AFD at 22%. Now it only reached 16%. Is it great? Fuck no. But still better then 22%. Cont give up now, that’s what the nazis want.

  • Kondeeka@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    Does anybody else have a feeling that just about any article reporting on left or climate protests, only seems to quote students (often art or philosophy) and pensioners? I believe the group is broader than that, why pick people who are regarded as not contributing much to society in populists’ views already?

    • glimse@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      People between college and retirement have jobs and may not be able to take the day off so they’re underrepresented at weekday protests

    • bassomitron@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      Gotta start somewhere. Tens of thousands of demonstrators don’t show up at a moment’s notice. Honestly surprised even 3000 showed up that quickly.

    • menas@lemmy.wtf
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      2 months ago

      This kind of demonstration took place in a lot of city in france, if not all.

  • JeffKerman1999@sopuli.xyz
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    2 months ago

    Oh wow! Maybe they should have voted? I mean protesting is all fine and dandy but what will that accomplish? It’s not like the fash will listen to anyone…