French President Emmanuel Macron calls for calm as a rally for a slain far-right activist in Lyon raises fears of political violence ahead of the 2027 election.

PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron has appealed for calm ahead of a high-security rally in Lyon for a slain far-right activist, an event that has heightened political tensions.

Macron made the remarks at a Paris farming fair, urging everyone to remain composed as the country braces for potential clashes between opposing political factions.

The rally is for Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old who died from head injuries after an attack in Lyon last week. At least six people have been charged over the fatal assault, which occurred on the sidelines of a demonstration against a left-wing politician.

Macron stated that “in the Republic, no violence is legitimate” and that “there is no place for militias, no matter where they come from”. He also announced his government would hold a meeting next week to assess “violent action groups” linked to political parties.

The Lyon mayor, from the left-wing green party, had asked the state to ban the rally, but it is proceeding under tight security. It is expected to draw 2,000 to 3,000 attendees, with counter-protests from the hard left likely.

The killing has drawn international commentary, with a US state department official calling it “terrorism” and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni labelling it “a wound for all Europe”. Macron subsequently urged Meloni to stay out of French domestic matters.

A far-right collective named Nemesis claimed Deranque was at the protest to protect its members when he was assaulted by “anti-fascist” activists. A parliamentary assistant to a radical left-wing MP has also been charged with complicity in the case.

 The Sun Malaysia