02:14Hundreds of trade union protesters marched through the streets of Lyon, showing solidarity against a rise in nationalist parties before the first round of French elections.
Footage shot on Friday shows protesters crossing the Saone Bridge carrying flags from multiple organizations and countries. They chanted slogans such as 'We are all antifascists' and carried placards reading 'Facing the nationalists, united response' and 'The most beautiful left, the RN in trash'.
Around 20 trade unions and collectives called for protests after French President Emmanuel Macron called the snap legislative vote following significant losses for his Renaissance party in the EU Parliament elections, which saw a surge for Jordan Bardella's National Rally. The next election was not expected until 2027.
Across the bloc, conservative, nationalist and anti-immigration groups also made large gains. Many called for a focus on domestic priorities amid the soaring cost of living, as well as lower taxes, better border security and an end to foreign military interventions, such as in Ukraine.
France's election is held over two rounds, on June 30 and July 7, electing all 577 members of the National Assembly. Macron has not held a majority in parliament since 2022 and has used the presidential decree to pass legislation like his pension reforms, which have seen widespread protests.
'United response' - Hundreds march in Lyon against rising nationalism ahead of elections
Hundreds of trade union protesters marched through the streets of Lyon, showing solidarity against a rise in nationalist parties before the first round of French elections.
Footage shot on Friday shows protesters crossing the Saone Bridge carrying flags from multiple organizations and countries. They chanted slogans such as 'We are all antifascists' and carried placards reading 'Facing the nationalists, united response' and 'The most beautiful left, the RN in trash'.
Around 20 trade unions and collectives called for protests after French President Emmanuel Macron called the snap legislative vote following significant losses for his Renaissance party in the EU Parliament elections, which saw a surge for Jordan Bardella's National Rally. The next election was not expected until 2027.
Across the bloc, conservative, nationalist and anti-immigration groups also made large gains. Many called for a focus on domestic priorities amid the soaring cost of living, as well as lower taxes, better border security and an end to foreign military interventions, such as in Ukraine.
France's election is held over two rounds, on June 30 and July 7, electing all 577 members of the National Assembly. Macron has not held a majority in parliament since 2022 and has used the presidential decree to pass legislation like his pension reforms, which have seen widespread protests.
Hundreds of trade union protesters marched through the streets of Lyon, showing solidarity against a rise in nationalist parties before the first round of French elections.
Footage shot on Friday shows protesters crossing the Saone Bridge carrying flags from multiple organizations and countries. They chanted slogans such as 'We are all antifascists' and carried placards reading 'Facing the nationalists, united response' and 'The most beautiful left, the RN in trash'.
Around 20 trade unions and collectives called for protests after French President Emmanuel Macron called the snap legislative vote following significant losses for his Renaissance party in the EU Parliament elections, which saw a surge for Jordan Bardella's National Rally. The next election was not expected until 2027.
Across the bloc, conservative, nationalist and anti-immigration groups also made large gains. Many called for a focus on domestic priorities amid the soaring cost of living, as well as lower taxes, better border security and an end to foreign military interventions, such as in Ukraine.
France's election is held over two rounds, on June 30 and July 7, electing all 577 members of the National Assembly. Macron has not held a majority in parliament since 2022 and has used the presidential decree to pass legislation like his pension reforms, which have seen widespread protests.