Thousands protest in Orleans against France far right National Rally congress

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the French city of Orléans on Saturday to protest against the far-right National Rally party. Euronews reported that the party gathered in the city south of Paris ahead of the 2027 presidential election. France 24 also reported that the National Rally is holding its annual congress in Orléans. [1][2]

According to Euronews, around 50 political parties, trade unions, and associations called for the demonstration against what they described as racism. Bally Bagayoko, the La France insoumise mayor of Saint-Denis, joined the protest alongside Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure and CGT trade union chief Sophie Binet. [1]

France 24 reported that the party congress is expected to officially launch Marine Le Pen's presidential campaign. The outlet added that the party is also expected to re-elect Jordan Bardella as its leader. [2]

The National Rally was known as the National Front from 1972 to 2018. It opposes immigration, advocating cuts to legal immigration, protection of French identity, and stricter control of illegal immigration. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Marine Le Pen currently leads polls for the 2027 French presidential election. [6][10]