Controversy surrounds Lyon Antifa Fest

The Lyon Antifa Fest, scheduled for December 10 and 11 in Villeurbanne, is once again at the center of controversy. Right-wing politician Tiffany Joncour from the RN party in Rhône has raised concerns about the festival's content, criticizing its programming in a press release issued on October 14.

Criticism of festival slogan

Joncour is particularly upset about the slogan "Libérez les antifas lyonnais," which appears in support of militants imprisoned in the context of the investigation into the death of Quentin Deranque. She argues that the slogan promotes messages hostile to law enforcement.

Calls for intervention and funding withdrawal

Joncour has requested the prefect of Rhône to intervene against the holding of the event. She has also submitted a request to Minister of Culture Catherine Pégard, demanding the festival's removal from the Pass Culture, the cancellation of bookings, and the recovery of any public funding.

Past controversies and funding issues

Last year, the event was removed from the Pass Culture following pressure from right-wing and far-right elected officials. The 2026 edition of the Lyon festival is currently priced at 27.50 euros, despite previous controversies.

Legal challenges and cancellations

The 2025 edition of the festival was already controversial. The prefecture had banned certain concerts, but this decision was overturned by the Lyon administrative court, allowing the event to proceed. In 2022, the festival was canceled after the dissolution of the Antifascist and Envrions Group (Gale) by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.