After Activist’s Killing, Tensions Erupt Between France’s Far-Right and Far-Left

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Mark LandlerFebruary 18, 2026 at 11:51 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

In France, the death of Quentin Deranque, a young activist associated with a far-right group, has ignited tensions between the far-right and far-left political factions. Deranque died after being attacked in Lyon, and eleven people have been arrested, including aides to a lawmaker from the far-left France Unbowed party. Far-right leaders, like Jordan Bardella, have condemned the far-left, blaming them for the violence and linking them to a banned antifascist group. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed, has denied responsibility and denounced violence. This incident occurs ahead of local elections next month and presidential elections next year, where both the far-right and far-left hope to make significant gains. The political fallout highlights the growing polarization in France as the country prepares for these key elections.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Jean-Marie Le Pen 40% Montpellier 40% La Jeune Garde (Young Guard) 50% Lyon ×260% Emmanuel Macron 60% Jean-Luc Mélenchon ×270% Jordan Bardella ×370% National Rally ×270% France Unbowed ×370% France ×580% Quentin Deranque ×590%

Keywords

far-right 90% far-left 90% france 80% elections 80% political tensions 70% political violence 70% quentin deranque 70% national rally 60% france unbowed 60% jordan bardella 50%