Student questions democratic regression

During a course on the transitions from authoritarian regimes to democracy, a student asked about the reverse path, known as democratic regression or "backsliding." American political scientist Nancy Bermeo notes that classic coups have receded since the Cold War, replaced by elected officials dismantling checks and balances through legal procedures.

Energy and democracy discussions in Taipei

In late October, discussions on energy and democracy took place in Taipei with European delegates. Concerns about French demonstrations were raised, with interlocutors noting the vandals should be punished by fair justice. The author mentioned the French demonstrations, where high school students and trade unions protested, with students singing the Marseillaise under the revolutionary flag. However, the author expressed concern about the State's response, which prioritized order over freedoms.

Student protests and police response in Lyon

In Lyon, high school students blocked their schools to demand more classes with teachers, an action that would have been unthinkable for any minister of National Education. The State responded with grenades and riot control balls (LBD). Lyon high school students marching toward the rectorate reported that riot police surrounded them on the street of Marseille and used gas. Over 5,000 people were arrested in less than two weeks.

Criticism of State's handling of protests

Four United Nations special rapporteurs deemed the injuries to minors "unacceptable and unjustifiable." Police unionist Anthony Caillé criticized the State's response, calling it a disaster for police, demonstrators, and merchants. He noted that a LBD fired in a crowd is like a lottery. Emmanuel Macron admitted there were not enough forces on October 17 in Marseille. In Lyon, nearly 200 businesses were looted or damaged in the Presqu'île.

Political responses and historical parallels

On October 19, about 300 people, including elected officials in scarves, gathered in support of merchants and law enforcement. Libération reported that a hundred neo-Nazis and hooligans formed a procession behind a tricolor flag marked with a Celtic cross, shouting "The street, France belongs to us." Law enforcement did not intervene visibly. On October 22, Macron set a doctrine to offer alternative routes to trade union processions to protect city centers and ban demands made by "people who have no legitimacy."

Historical context and modern governance

On November 23, 1932, Carl Schmitt asked German industrialists for a "strong state" for a "healthy economy." Hermann Heller named this "authoritarian liberalism," where the state hardens to protect the market from democratic disorders. In Lyon, this model has entered a district mayor's office held by the left. Raphaël Arnault, an LFI deputy, co-founded the Young Guard, an anti-fascist group dissolved by the government. He was to present his book Antifasciste at the mayor's office but the mayor, Olivier Berzane, withdrew the room due to concerns about holding the meeting on a strike day.

Legal and political tensions in Lyon

Grégory Doucet, the mayor, considered it "not reasonable" to hold the meeting on a strike day and proposed a postponement. These fears are rooted in the death of Quentin Deranque and the mayor's caution in both directions. The Council of State resolved a similar dilemma in 1933, canceling a ban on a conference by an extreme-right polemicist, stating that the possibility of disturbances did not justify banning the event. Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi, an LFI deputy, filed a lawsuit with the Lyon administrative court.

Right-wing rhetoric and historical parallels

Marion Maréchal, an extreme-right European parliament member, labeled October 17 a "racist leftist insurrection." Le Monde revealed that the Issep, a private school she co-founded, paid her 50,000 euros in 2026 under the title of "image rights." Sociologist Vincent Tiberj examined right-wing trends, noting they are manufactured by political leaders and media, creating a "conservative atmosphere." Historian Johann Chapoutot discussed how German elites allowed Hitler's rise in 1933, seeing it as the most reasonable and rational choice. While France in 2026 is not Germany in 1933, the mayor of Lyon's decision to avoid holding an anti-fascist meeting on a strike day raises concerns. The author hopes for a calm weekend and for the high school students to return home safely.