Thousands march in France against rise in fascism & racism

Ramin Mazaheri
Press TV, Paris

Thousands marched in France against a surge of discrimination and fascism so pressing that the fact the demonstration was held on the Global Day Against Racism was mostly an afterthought.

Just like in the United States after 9/11, a raft of restrictive measures have been passed in the name of so-called “national unity”. More than 10,000 soldiers will remain on the streets until at least summer, as political hysteria against Muslims and immigrants has gone from bad to worse.

President Francois Hollande has destroyed more Roma camps than his right-wing predecessor, and the state has not been able to keep violent attacks against Muslims and Jews from reaching new highs.

Hollande made just one campaign promise intended for Muslims and immigrants, and that was to end the despised “identity checks” which are routinely abused by police.

While Greece has Syriza and Spain has Podemos, the national mood in France has not expressed itself in any left-wing successes. Popular feeling has gone in the other direction, instead.

Sunday is the first round of regional elections and the neo-fascist National Front party is the leading vote getter according to many polls. It’s a reminder that racism and right-wing fascism go hand in hand, and both are on the upswing in France.

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