20,000 Rally in Paris Suburb Against Racism

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Saint-Denis, a diverse suburb north of Paris, in a major anti-racism rally backing the town’s newly elected mayor following a wave of racist attacks.

Organizers said around 20,000 people assembled outside city hall in support of Mayor Bally Bagayoko, who recently secured victory in the first round of municipal elections. The demonstration brought together trade unions, civil society groups, and activists in a show of solidarity against discrimination and hate speech.

Bagayoko, who was born in France to Malian parents and raised in Saint-Denis, has faced a surge of racist rhetoric and disinformation since taking office. The controversy has sparked national debate over racism, media accountability, and political discourse in France.

French authorities have launched investigations into alleged racist remarks broadcast on television and shared across social media platforms. Legal action has also been initiated in response to the incidents.

The rally comes amid growing concerns about rising racial tensions in France, particularly targeting public figures from immigrant backgrounds. Political leaders and advocacy groups have warned that such incidents risk deepening divisions and undermining social cohesion.

The large turnout in Saint-Denis signals mounting public resistance to racism and a renewed push to defend equality and republican values in one of France’s most multicultural communities.