Saint-Denis Mayor Bally Bagayoko Calls for Anti-Racism March on June 21

As the newly elected LFI mayor of Saint-Denis and Pierrefitte-sur-Seine, Bally Bagayoko's call for a major anti-racism demonstration reflects a deep concern within our communities about the rising tide of hate and discrimination. Le Figaro reports on this initiative, highlighting the urgency felt by many to counter the dangerous rhetoric that is increasingly permeating our political and social landscape.

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à toutes celles et ceux qui refusent de renoncer», «à toutes celles et ceux qui observent une classe politique, économique, médiatique qui est en train de préparer le terrain à l’extrême droite» à venir manifester contre «le racisme, l’antisémitisme, l’islamophobie, la négrophobie et toutes les formes de haine».

The decision to postpone the march from May 3 to June 21, while perhaps inconvenient, underscores the strategic thinking behind mobilizing a significant turnout. Bagayoko's appeal, broadcasted on social media, is not just a call to action but a rallying cry for all those who refuse to be complacent in the face of escalating racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and négrophobie. It is a testament to the vibrant 'peuple vivant' – the living people – who are determined to make their voices heard.

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Il nous appartient désormais de maintenir une pression populaire car rien ne pourra changer sans une lutte déterminée et résolument engagée

This demonstration is particularly significant in the current French context, where political discourse is increasingly polarized. Bagayoko's message emphasizes the need for a united front against extremism, drawing parallels between the fight against racism and the broader struggle for liberty, equality, and fraternity. The support garnered from a previous rally, where thousands turned out to support him following controversial remarks on Cnews, demonstrates the strong public appetite for such initiatives. This upcoming march is not just about protesting hate; it's about affirming the values of a diverse and inclusive society, a message that resonates deeply within the communities we represent and which, we believe, is often underrepresented in mainstream Western media's focus on political squabbles.

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citoyens attachés à la liberté, l’égalité et la fraternité, collectifs antiracistes, féministes, LGBTQI+, syndicats, associations engagées pour la protection des droits individuels, organisations politiques, organisations de jeunesse, universitaires, intellectuels, sportifs, acteurs et actrices engagés pour la paix, contre les dominations et les injustices, habitants des quartiers populaires, des campagnes», afin de faire entendre «la voix du peuple vivant».