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RN Aide’s Neo‑Fascist History Exposed as LFI Faces New Condemnation After Far‑Right Student’s Murder

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    Image: Le Monde
    Le Monde Source Full size
  • Quentin Deranque came under attack near an event by a leading radical left politician in Lyon
    Quentin Deranque came under attack near an event by a leading radical left politician in Lyon
    Image: BBC
    Quentin Deranque came under attack near an event by a leading radical left politician in Lyon (AFP) Source Full size
  • CORRECTION / This photograph taken in Paris on February 15, 2026 shows a French flag bearing an unidentified portrait and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died in Lyon after a fatal beating. French President Emmanuel Macron on February 14, 2026 urged calm and restraint after the fatal beating of a 23-year-old French youth aligned with the far-right on the sidelines of a conference by a hard-left lawmaker in the southeastern city of Lyon. The death of the young man — identified only as Quentin — has intensified tensions between France’s far-right and hard-left who are both eyeing 2027 presidential elections. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD / AFP via Getty Images) / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by ALAIN JOCARD has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [This photograph taken in Paris on February 15, 2026 shows a French flag bearing an unidentified portrait and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died in Lyon after a fatal beating.] instead of [This photograph shows a portrait of 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died after a fatal beating in Lyon, and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to him in Paris on February 15, 2026.]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post
    CORRECTION / This photograph taken in Paris on February 15, 2026 shows a French flag bearing an unidentified portrait and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died in Lyon after a fatal beating. French President Emmanuel Macron on February 14, 2026 urged calm and restraint after the fatal beating of a 23-year-old French youth aligned with the far-right on the sidelines of a conference by a hard-left lawmaker in the southeastern city of Lyon. The death of the young man — identified only as Quentin — has intensified tensions between France’s far-right and hard-left who are both eyeing 2027 presidential elections. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD / AFP via Getty Images) / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by ALAIN JOCARD has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [This photograph taken in Paris on February 15, 2026 shows a French flag bearing an unidentified portrait and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died in Lyon after a fatal beating.] instead of [This photograph shows a portrait of 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died after a fatal beating in Lyon, and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to him in Paris on February 15, 2026.]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post
    Image: Newsweek
    CORRECTION / This photograph taken in Paris on February 15, 2026 shows a French flag bearing an unidentified portrait and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died in Lyon after a fatal beating. French President Emmanuel Macron on February 14, 2026 urged calm and restraint after the fatal beating of a 23-year-old French youth aligned with the far-right on the sidelines of a conference by a hard-left lawmaker in the southeastern city of Lyon. The death of the young man — identified only as Quentin — has intensified tensions between France’s far-right and hard-left who are both eyeing 2027 presidential elections. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD / AFP via Getty Images) / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by ALAIN JOCARD has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [This photograph taken in Paris on February 15, 2026 shows a French flag bearing an unidentified portrait and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died in Lyon after a fatal beating.] instead of [This photograph shows a portrait of 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died after a fatal beating in Lyon, and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to him in Paris on February 15, 2026.]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: BBC
    AFP via Getty Images Source Full size
  • Quentin Deranque came under attack near an event by a leading radical left politician in Lyon
    Quentin Deranque came under attack near an event by a leading radical left politician in Lyon
    Image: BBC
    Quentin Deranque came under attack near an event by a leading radical left politician in Lyon (AFP) Source Full size
  • The attack took place a short distance from Sciences Po university in Lyon
    The attack took place a short distance from Sciences Po university in Lyon
    Image: BBC
    The attack took place a short distance from Sciences Po university in Lyon (AFP) Source Full size
  • LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon's party is under intense pressure three weeks before local elections
    LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon's party is under intense pressure three weeks before local elections
    Image: BBC
    LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon's party is under intense pressure three weeks before local elections (AFP via Getty Images) Source Full size
  • Marine Le Pen and RN President Jordan Bardella are hoping for big gains in next month's local elections
    Marine Le Pen and RN President Jordan Bardella are hoping for big gains in next month's local elections
    Image: BBC
    Marine Le Pen and RN President Jordan Bardella are hoping for big gains in next month's local elections (Reuters) Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: BBC
    AFP via Getty Images Source Full size
  • CORRECTION / This photograph taken in Paris on February 15, 2026 shows a French flag bearing an unidentified portrait and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died in Lyon after a fatal beating. French President Emmanuel Macron on February 14, 2026 urged calm and restraint after the fatal beating of a 23-year-old French youth aligned with the far-right on the sidelines of a conference by a hard-left lawmaker in the southeastern city of Lyon. The death of the young man — identified only as Quentin — has intensified tensions between France’s far-right and hard-left who are both eyeing 2027 presidential elections. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD / AFP via Getty Images) / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by ALAIN JOCARD has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [This photograph taken in Paris on February 15, 2026 shows a French flag bearing an unidentified portrait and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died in Lyon after a fatal beating.] instead of [This photograph shows a portrait of 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died after a fatal beating in Lyon, and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to him in Paris on February 15, 2026.]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post
    CORRECTION / This photograph taken in Paris on February 15, 2026 shows a French flag bearing an unidentified portrait and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died in Lyon after a fatal beating. French President Emmanuel Macron on February 14, 2026 urged calm and restraint after the fatal beating of a 23-year-old French youth aligned with the far-right on the sidelines of a conference by a hard-left lawmaker in the southeastern city of Lyon. The death of the young man — identified only as Quentin — has intensified tensions between France’s far-right and hard-left who are both eyeing 2027 presidential elections. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD / AFP via Getty Images) / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by ALAIN JOCARD has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [This photograph taken in Paris on February 15, 2026 shows a French flag bearing an unidentified portrait and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died in Lyon after a fatal beating.] instead of [This photograph shows a portrait of 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died after a fatal beating in Lyon, and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to him in Paris on February 15, 2026.]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post
    Image: Newsweek
    CORRECTION / This photograph taken in Paris on February 15, 2026 shows a French flag bearing an unidentified portrait and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died in Lyon after a fatal beating. French President Emmanuel Macron on February 14, 2026 urged calm and restraint after the fatal beating of a 23-year-old French youth aligned with the far-right on the sidelines of a conference by a hard-left lawmaker in the southeastern city of Lyon. The death of the young man — identified only as Quentin — has intensified tensions between France’s far-right and hard-left who are both eyeing 2027 presidential elections. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD / AFP via Getty Images) / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by ALAIN JOCARD has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [This photograph taken in Paris on February 15, 2026 shows a French flag bearing an unidentified portrait and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died in Lyon after a fatal beating.] instead of [This photograph shows a portrait of 23-year-old victim Quentin Deranque, who died after a fatal beating in Lyon, and a slogan reading “Dead for our sisters, dead for France, Justice for Quentin” on a French flag carried by a demonstrator during a rally paying tribute to him in Paris on February 15, 2026.]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post Source Full size
  • Lors d’une manifestation en hommage à Quentin Deranque, organisée par la section locale de l’Action française, mouvement royaliste et nationaliste, à Lille, le 18 février 2026.SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP
    Lors d’une manifestation en hommage à Quentin Deranque, organisée par la section locale de l’Action française, mouvement royaliste et nationaliste, à Lille, le 18 février 2026.SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP
    Image: Le Monde
    Lors d’une manifestation en hommage à Quentin Deranque, organisée par la section locale de l’Action française, mouvement royaliste et nationaliste, à Lille, le 18 février 2026.SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP (SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP) Source Full size

Deranque’s Fatal Assault and Immediate Aftermath On 12 February 2026, 23‑year‑old nationalist student Quentin Deranque was beaten and kicked by masked men outside a far‑right feminist demonstration at Sciences Po Lyon, sustaining catastrophic head trauma and dying two days later on 14 February 2026 [2][3][4]. Mobile‑phone footage captured the assault, and an autopsy confirmed death from severe brain injury [3]. The killing ignited nationwide outrage just weeks before municipal elections [2].

Arrests Reveal Links to Banned Far‑Left Group Police detained suspects tied to the outlawed anti‑fascist collective La Jeune Garde, a group previously linked to France Unbowed (LFI) security arrangements [2][4]. Numbers differ: nine arrests reported on 17 February [4], eleven on 18 February [3], and seven charged with murder or complicity on 21 February [2]. Among those held are LFI parliamentary assistants Jacques‑Elie Favrot and Adrian Besseyre, both connected to deputy Raphaël Arnault [2][3][4].

RN’s Internal Conflict Over Memorial March RN parliamentary attaché Vincent Claudin, who left the neo‑fascist Lyon populaire in 2024, called for a “several‑thousand” far‑right march in Deranque’s memory and helped organize the event scheduled for 21 February 2026 [1]. RN leader Jordan Bardella prohibited party members from attending, arguing the rally lacked direct RN links, while the demonstration was placed under heavy police surveillance [1]. Claudin’s past affiliation and the march’s neo‑fascist organizers have drawn intense media scrutiny [1].

Political Realignment: Condemnation Shifts to LFI Analysts note the incident may overturn the long‑standing view of the National Rally as France’s primary pariah, positioning LFI as the new target of widespread censure [2]. Commentators such as Guillaume Tabard and Dominique de Villepin argue that attacks on LFI could inadvertently normalise the RN ahead of the March municipal polls and the 2027 presidential race [2]. The evolving “cordon sanitaire” could reshape coalition dynamics among centrist and socialist parties [2].

Sources

Timeline

2024 – Vincent Claudin, now a parliamentary attaché for RN deputy Lisette Pollet, leaves the antisemitic neo‑fascist group Lyon populaire, highlighting lingering far‑right networks within mainstream parties[4].

2025 – The French government disbands the anti‑fascist collective La Jeune Garde, a move that later frames the investigation into the Deranque killing[3].

Feb 4, 2026 – The Ministry issues a circular reclassifying La France Insoumise (LFI) as “extrême gauche” for the March municipal vote; LFI files an urgent appeal to the Conseil d’État, and Jean‑Luc Mélenchon denounces the decision on X as a “banane‑republic”[5].

Feb 12, 2026 – Quentin Deranque, a 23‑year‑old nationalist student, is repeatedly kicked and punched by masked men after a far‑right feminist protest at Sciences‑Po Lyon, sustaining severe head injuries that later prove fatal[1][2].

Feb 14, 2026 – Deranque dies in hospital from catastrophic brain trauma; the autopsy confirms lethal skull damage inflicted by at least six attackers[3].

Feb 17, 2026 – Police detain nine suspects, including parliamentary aide Jacques‑Elie Favrot who works for LFI deputy Raphaël Arnault; prosecutor Thierry Dran states that at least six assailants delivered the fatal blows[2].

Feb 18, 2026 – Authorities expand the crackdown to 11 detainees, again holding LFI aide Favrot; President Emmanuel Macron calls for calm and pledges that those responsible will be brought to justice ahead of the March local elections[3].

Feb 20, 2026 – RN leader Jordan Bardella orders party members to stay away from the planned Lyon memorial march, declaring the RN “does not participate in demonstrations with which we have no direct links”[4].

Feb 21, 2026 – RN parliamentary attaché Vincent Claudin posts a video urging “several thousand” far‑right militants to march in Deranque’s memory, framing the tribute as a response to “his friend” being slain[4].

Feb 21, 2026 – Analysts warn the Deranque killing could overturn the long‑standing “cordon sanitaire” that isolates the far‑right RN, making LFI the new most‑condemned party; commentators Guillaume Tabard and Dominique de Villepin argue that attacks on LFI inadvertently normalise the RN[1].

Mar 2026 (future) – Municipal elections occur, serving as a barometer for the 2027 presidential race and testing whether the anti‑RN “cordon sanitaire” weakens after LFI’s reclassification and the Deranque fallout[1][3].

2027 (future) – Presidential and parliamentary elections loom, with LFI’s “extrême gauche” label potentially influencing Mélenchon’s prospects in a second‑round runoff[1][5].

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