A group of 160 prominent French personalities, including historian Benjamin Stora and academic El Mouhoub Mouhoud, have signed a tribune published in Le Nouvel Obs, expressing their concerns about the growing violence and hate speech of the extreme right in France. The signatories, who come from diverse backgrounds, warn that the extreme right's rise to power could lead to a deterioration of democracy and an increase in racist and xenophobic attacks.
The tribune, launched by SOS Racisme, denounces the "immondes" attacks suffered by several personalities, including footballer Kylian Mbappé, judoka Teddy Riner, and actress Adèle Exarchopoulos, who have expressed their concerns about the potential consequences of the extreme right coming to power. The signatories argue that these attacks are a form of intimidation aimed at silencing those who dare to speak out against the extreme right's ideology.
The signatories also criticize the media for perpetuating hate speech and xenophobia. They cite the example of journalist Pascal Praud, who announced that he would "enumerate every day" the names of those who take a stance against the Rassemblement national (RN), the French extreme right party. The tribune argues that such rhetoric contributes to a climate of fear and intolerance.
The signatories affirm that they will not be silenced and will continue to speak out against the extreme right's ideology, which they see as a threat to democracy and equality. They argue that all French citizens, regardless of their origins, should be treated with dignity and respect. The tribune concludes by calling on others to join them in condemning hate speech and violence.
The signatories include a range of prominent figures, such as former minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, comedian Smaïn, and footballer Lilian Thuram. They argue that their diverse backgrounds and experiences give them a unique perspective on the dangers of the extreme right. By speaking out, they hope to raise awareness about the risks of extremism and promote a more inclusive and tolerant society.
The tribune is seen as a response to the growing concern about the extreme right's rise to power in France. The signatories argue that the RN's ideology is rooted in a history of violence and intolerance, and that its rise to power would have serious consequences for French democracy. They call on others to join them in opposing the extreme right and promoting a more inclusive and tolerant society.
The initiative has sparked a wider debate about the role of the extreme right in French politics and society. The signatories hope that their tribune will contribute to a more nuanced and informed discussion about the risks of extremism and the importance of promoting tolerance and inclusion.
Key points
- Over 160 French personalities sign a tribune condemning extreme right violence and hate speech in France.
