Group: Raphaël Arnault Fights Back
On June 12, 2025, the French government officially banned the Jeune Garde Antifasciste, a well-known far-left activist group. The decision was made during a Council of Ministers meeting. The group, which was started in 2018 by Raphaël Arnault, is known for protesting against far-right organizations across the country. Today, Arnault is a Member of Parliament for the left-wing party La France Insoumise, representing Vaucluse.
Why Did the Government Ban the Group?
The government said the Jeune Garde was promoting violent behavior. They also banned a far-right group called Lyon Populaire on the same day. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said that extremist behavior, whether from the far left or far right, will not be allowed. He shared online that the goal is to protect public safety and avoid dangerous confrontations.
What Did the Jeune Garde Say?
The Jeune Garde quickly released a public response. They called the ban a political attack and an unfair move meant to silence people who stand against the far-right. In their statement, they explained that their group has taken action over the years by protesting in the streets, shutting down hate group meeting places, supporting anti-racism causes, and even participating in elections. They believe that the real reason for the ban is that their movement is too effective and visible, making both the far-right and the current government uncomfortable.
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The Legal Fight Begins
The group announced that it will appeal the decision in the Conseil d’État, which is France’s highest court for government decisions. They hope to overturn the ban and defend their right to protest and organize. They protect many people of them and they want freedom and this is right.. Many political voices, especially from the left, have raised concerns about the government’s move, warning that this could limit freedom of speech and reduce the space for peaceful protest in France.
Who Is Raphaël Arnault?
Raphaël Arnault is not just a politician. He started out as a street activist and helped form the Jeune Garde in 2018 when he was only 23 years old. Over time, he became a popular voice in left-wing politics and won a seat in Parliament in 2024. Arnault has promised to support the group legally and politically. He said that this is not only about one group, but about protecting the right to resist fascism in a democratic country.
Key Facts and Background
The Jeune Garde is made up of more than 100 members and operates in cities like Lyon, Paris, Montpellier, and Toulouse. The group is known for organizing protests and fighting against fascist and racist organizations. In 2024, eight members were investigated by police after a clash in the Paris metro. Despite this, Arnault was elected to Parliament with 55 percent of the vote.
Why This Story Matters
It also makes people wonder if left-wing and right-wing groups are treated the same way by the authorities.freedom is most important for people and country because they provide to right their. At its heart, this is a fight about freedom—the freedom to speak, protest, and organize.
Final Thoughts
Their goal is to protect the right to protest and to speak freely. freedom is most important for people and country because they provide to right their. This fight is about freedom, and they are standing up for that right. What happens next could change how protest groups are treated in France for many years to come.