In Lyon, the Ultradroite marches just before the curfew, the furious prefect of the recovery

A far-right group marched through Lyon shortly before the curfew began, prompting the regional prefect to express fury over what he described as an attempt to co-opt a pro-business rally. The demonstration took place late Monday evening after a gathering in support of local merchants and law enforcement, which had been held just before the start of the curfew. The prefect of the Rhône department, Étienne Guyot, stated he was “angry” about the far-right’s efforts to take control of the event. According to official statements, the pro-merchant rally, which aimed to remain apolitical, occurred at Place Bellecour with elected officials present wearing scarves. It dispersed in a manner intended to comply with the curfew regulations. However, following its dissolution, individuals later identified as members of the far-right formed a group and moved away from the designated area. Approximately 500 people attended the rally, according to organizers, which took place around 8 PM, following violent incidents and looting that affected more than 150 businesses in Lyon's peninsula on Saturday. Earlier, the Rhône prefecture had announced a ban on demonstrations from 6 PM to 9 PM in the city center and imposed a curfew from 9 PM until 6 AM Tuesday. “At the time of the dispersal, individuals later identified as belonging to the far-right formed a group after blending insidiously into the gathering to appropriate it,” the prefecture noted. Footage shared by Lyon Capitale showed the group marching while chanting slogans such as “The street, France belongs to us” and “Rats in prison.” Another video posted online displayed the group carrying a banner reading “Anti-Casualties Lyon” and “Doucet Resign,” which had previously been seen on a grid during the rally. A French flag marked with a Celtic cross, a symbol associated with far-right groups, was also visible. Lyon’s mayor, Gregory Doucet, condemned the rally and the hate-filled slogans used during the event. He emphasized the need for calm amid difficult times and called for strict adherence to the rule of law. He reiterated his request to the prefect to enforce regulations rigorously and sought assurance from the interior minister regarding maintaining republican order. According to the prefecture, the group of several dozen individuals proceeded toward the exit of the curfew zone and dispersed around 9 PM outside the prescribed area. The prefect affirmed that he would not tolerate any expressions violating laws related to inciting hatred or causing public disorder. The group reportedly numbered between 100 and 200 people, some of whom were initially part of the pro-merchant rally. They chanted slogans including “France, the street belongs to us” and “Wake up, Frenchman, you are here at home,” along with “Islam out of Europe.” Footage captured chants of “Rats in prison.” The prefecture confirmed that the initial gathering at Place Bellecour could not have been aware of the anti-gathering decree due to timing constraints. It added that there had been no disturbance to public order. The prefect, Étienne Guyot, expressed anger over the attempt to co-opt the event. He assured that he would not accept any expression falling under legal scrutiny for inciting hatred or causing public unrest. On Tuesday afternoon, he indicated having filed a formal notice with the prosecutor general to address the Islamophobic and xenophobic remarks made by the far-right group in Lyon. The night of the curfew was described as very quiet by the prefecture, with one arrest and two warnings issued. Authorities had declared a ban on demonstrations from 6 PM to 9 PM in the city center and implemented a curfew from 9 PM until 6 AM on Tuesday. All demonstrations, processions, marches, gatherings, and other forms of public protest were prohibited in parts of Lyon's peninsula.