A cultural initiative called "Populaire." has been launched in Seine-Saint-Denis, a department in the northern suburbs of Paris, with the goal of countering far-right narratives through historical performances. The project, backed by the local government, will feature free, open-air events scheduled for the spring and summer of 2027. Stéphane Troussel, the socialist president of the Seine-Saint-Denis council, described the initiative as opening "a new front in the cultural battle" against the far right. He criticized far-right "reactionary narratives" that promote an idealized vision of France as a nation with a unique, white, and Catholic identity. Troussel argued that such views are more aligned with political fiction than with historical reality, and he emphasized the project’s goal of highlighting shared stories, struggles, and legacies while also acknowledging historical flaws. The initiative is being coordinated by historians Patrick Boucheron and Guillaume Mazeau, with artistic production managed by MC93, a cultural institution in Seine-Saint-Denis recognized as a national stage and European production hub. Mazeau clarified that the project does not aim to replace one set of historical narratives with another, but rather to present a more inclusive and accurate historical perspective. Three performances are planned: the first will take place at the steps of the Basilica of Saint-Denis and will focus on the exhumation of royal remains by revolutionaries during the 18th century. The second will be held at the Bauer Stadium in Saint-Ouen and will explore the history of sports from a grassroots perspective. The third will be in a park in Courneuve, recounting the history of migration in France from the end of World War II through the 1980s. Hortense Archambault, director of MC93, described the cultural battle as a reflection of the kind of society and future France people want to build. Troussel emphasized that this cultural effort will continue regardless of the outcome of the upcoming presidential election. The project’s communication and public outreach will be managed by Combat Media, a communications group owned by Matthieu Pigasse, an investment banker who identifies as left-wing. The "Populaire." initiative represents a broader effort to use culture as a tool for social cohesion and historical education. By bringing history to public spaces and engaging audiences through performance, the project aims to challenge divisive narratives and foster a shared sense of identity and pride in France’s diverse past.