Get you up to speed: European Parliament Rejects Minute of Silence for French Nationalist Student
The European Parliament has declined a request from the far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE) group to observe a minute of silence for Quentin Deranque, a French nationalist student killed in Lyon. Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola stated that the extraordinary session’s focus on the Ukraine war did not relate to the request.
The rejection has triggered strong reactions in France, particularly from far-right parties that blame the left for Deranque’s death amid ongoing investigations. A recent march in Lyon saw over 3,200 people gather to pay tribute to the slain student.
A minute of silence for Deranque could be held at the next regular plenary meeting in the second week of March in Strasbourg. The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group plans to seek a plenary debate in March on political violence linked to far-left extremism.
What we know so far
Exclusive: European Parliament rejects minute of silence for French nationalist student
The European Parliament has rejected a request to observe a minute of silence for Quentin Deranque, a nationalist student who died following violence in Lyon. According to internal sources, this decision was made by Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola, as the session is dedicated to the war in Ukraine.
The request was made by the far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE) group during a significant session marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Metsola’s office has also turned down other agenda change requests for the session.
Deranque, who was 23 years old, succumbed to injuries sustained during clashes linked to far-left and far-right activists. These confrontations occurred at an event featuring Rima Hassan, an MEP from the leftist party La France Insoumise (LFI).
This has the potential of boiling over to different factions within the EU. As far right sympathisers in Europe are weighing-in on the discourse. French President Emmanuel Macron told Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to stop commenting on France’s internal affairs on Thursday, after she condemned the fatal beating of a far-right activist in Lyon.
In Lyon, more than 3,200 people participated in a march on Saturday to honour Deranque’s memory. The investigation into his death continues, with accusations against LFI and the involvement of seven individuals facing murder charges.
The rejection of the minute of silence has ignited political tensions within the EU, with the far-right accusing LFI of moral responsibility for the violence. France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, has also expressed concerns over the use of Deranque’s death for political purposes, notably in light of diplomatic tensions following comments from the US ambassador.
The minute of silence for Deranque may take place at the upcoming plenary meeting in March, as discussions surrounding far-left extremism are set to continue.