Garde and Lyon Populaire
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the banning of two political groups during a Council of Ministers meeting. The groups are Jeune Garde Antifasciste, a far-left movement, and Lyon Populaire, an ultra-right nationalist group. Retailleau shared the news on social media and said that the government will not tolerate violent or extremist behavior from any political side. He promised that “nothing will go unchallenged.”
Background and Context
Back in May, Minister Retailleau said he wanted to ban three groups: Jeune Garde, Lyon Populaire, and Urgence Palestine. Official steps to start the process began on April 29. However, only Jeune Garde and Lyon Populaire were included in the final decision announced on June 12.
The government said these groups were calling for violence and that such calls had caused real-world fights and chaos. Authorities believe that banning them is necessary to keep peace and protect the public.
Also Read: France Bans Antifascist Group: Raphaël Arnault Fights Back
Reactions from Political Leaders
Raphaël Arnault, who helped start Jeune Garde and is now a Member of Parliament with the party La France Insoumise (LFI), said that his group will take the matter to France’s top administrative court, the Conseil d’État. He strongly disagreed with the decision and called it political.
Other leaders from the left also spoke out. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, head of La France Insoumise, said the move was a “terrible political mistake.” He warned that this ban supports the far right and could weaken democracy in France.
Details on Lyon Populaire
Minister Retailleau said that Lyon Populaire is a dangerous group that supports Nazism and spreads hate. The group has been known for racist behavior, especially against immigrants. It is one of the largest far-right groups in Lyon and had already been under watch for its extreme ideas and actions.
Urgence Palestine Not Included
Although the government had considered banning Urgence Palestine, that group was not included in the official decision. This group had earlier been accused of supporting Hamas and calling for an intifada (uprising) in France. Still, they were not part of the final decree signed today.
Final Thoughts
The banning of Jeune Garde and Lyon Populaire has started a national debate. Some people believe it is necessary to keep the country safe from violence. that’s are difficult nothing are easy but become easy with struggle.Others think it is a dangerous step that could take away people’s freedom to protest and speak out.