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The passing of Quentin Deranque, who died from injuries sustained in a clash between far-left and right-wing activists, has caused the nation to feel tense.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged for composure before a gathering in Lyon on Saturday supporting a far-right figure whose death has intensified political divisions.

Quentin Deranque was severely assaulted and died as a resultby a group of assailants near the edge of a demonstration opposing the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party last week.

President Macron called on “everyone to stay calm” before a gathering supporting Deranque in Lyon, which is proceeding with strict security measures despite the mayor’s attempt to prohibit it.

The event is predicted to attract as many as 3,000 attendees, while opposing demonstrations are also expected.

On Friday, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez mentioned that he had organized an “extremely large police presence,” including additional forces from beyond the city, to maintain safety during the protest.

French authorities to debate ‘groups engaged in violent actions’

At least 11 individuals have been arrested in relation to the murder, with one being said to have served as an assistant to a radical left-wing member of parliament.

The situation has increased tensions before the municipal elections in March and the 2027 presidential contest.

France’s far-right National Rally (RN) advised followers to skip gatherings on Saturday, while the party has also highlighted the hard left as the main threat to France. LFI has criticized the killing.

The passing of Deranque also triggered strong responses from international sources. The US State Department labeled it as “terrorism” and attributed it to increasing “violent radical leftism,” whereas Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni referred to the killing as “a wound for all Europe,” leading Macron to advise her to refrain from interfering in French matters.

The authorities plan to hold a meeting next week regarding “violent action groups that are operating and connected to political parties,” while inquiries are ongoing.

In the Republic, violence is not acceptable,” Macron stated on Saturday. “There is no room for militias, regardless of their origin.

Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez

Author: Louis Oelofse (with AFP, Reuters)