Thousands of people turned out in France for feminist demonstrations against the far-right, which is expected to come out on top in June 30 snap elections, as parties sought to shore up support with days to go. Protesters, many wearing violet, marched from the Place de la Republique square in central Paris to Place de la Nation in the east.

Paris

Thousands of people participated in feminist demonstrations across France in anticipation of the far-right National Rally's potential victory in the upcoming snap parliamentary elections. The protests took place in cities including Paris, Toulouse, and Rennes, where participants voiced their concerns about the National Rally's stance on women's rights.

Demonstrators, many wearing violet, marched from Place de la Republique to Place de la Nation in Paris. The protests were driven by fears that a National Rally win could adversely affect gender equality, particularly regarding pay equity and reproductive rights.

Critics argue that despite some National Rally members supporting measures such as enshrining abortion rights in the constitution, the party's overall record and agenda raise doubts about their commitment to women's equality. This sentiment is reinforced by the National Rally's mixed voting record on related issues in both French and European parliaments.

Jordan Bardella, the National Rally's candidate for Prime Minister, released a video pledging to uphold women's rights. However, women's rights groups remain skeptical, citing past votes and the party's wider policies as indicators of their true agenda.



French feminists march against far-right with days before vote

With the far-right National Rally currently leading in opinion polls ahead of the first round of France's snap parliamentary elections next Sunday, demonstrators, many from feminist organisations, have taken to the streets in cities across France to protest against the party. They fear a National Rally victory could set back women's rights in the country. I wanted to assert our values that cannot be defended by a party like the National Rally. A party that opposes equal pay between men and women. A party that represents everything but women's rights. I think that's what makes them dangerous, the fact that they put on a feminist facade but their actions don't match up. Because yes, some members of the National Rally voted to enshrine abortion in the constitution, but many did not. The party rejects claims that it has an anti-feminist agenda. Of its 88 MEPs, 31 voted against or abstained from voting to enshrine abortion in the French constitution earlier this year. At the European Parliament, many National Rally MEPs abstained from voting on a directive concerning equal pay for men and women, prompting concerns among women's rights groups about what a victory for the party could mean for wage equality. On June 17th, the National Rally's candidate for Prime Minister, Jordan Bardella, posted a video vowing to protect women's rights if he is elected. The freedom between women and men, the freedom to dress as we wish, the fundamental right to control our own bodies are non-negotiable principles. But not everyone is convinced. On Sunday, similar protests to those in Paris took place in dozens of French cities, including Toulouse and Rennes.

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