Rallies Across France Protest Dissolution of Environmental Activist Movement

Rallies were held in over 100 cities across France on Wednesday, June 21, in protest against the dissolution of the environmental activist movement. In Lille, around 200 people gathered on the Place de la République to denounce what they called a “scandalous” measure and an “attack on the right to civil disobedience.”

The Earth Uprisings (SLT) displayed their slogan, “What grows back everywhere cannot dissolve,” on signs held by protesters. The collective of environmental activists was dissolved by a government decree issued on June 21, prompting the rally in Lille.

Various political groups, unions, associations, and ordinary citizens, including many young people, came together to condemn the decision made by the Council of Ministers. The government reproached the collective for “calling” and “participating” in violence.

Paul Martin, a fifty-something resident of Lille, criticized the government’s arguments for the dissolution, stating, “It’s serious to dissolve a collective that is sounding the alarm on global warming. They are on the wrong target.” He emphasized the distinction between violence against people and violence against property, asserting that it is legitimate to oppose companies or projects that go against the public interest.

The Offensive, a political organization with several members in Lille, shared a report highlighting the need for new modes of action to combat climate change. They argued that traditional modes of organization, as seen during the pension reform, are no longer effective. One member stated, “Ecology without class struggle is gardening.”

The Uprisings of the Earth gained recognition for their impactful actions, including a highly publicized protest against the mega-basins project in Sainte-Soline last March and a recent demonstration against the TGV Lyon Turin line. These actions were labeled as “eco-terrorism” by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.

The government justified the dissolution by accusing the movement of inciting sabotage, material damage, and violence under the guise of defending the environment. However, the League of Human Rights, present at the rally in Place de la République, criticized the decision as an attack on freedom of association. They argued that any reproach against activists should be addressed through the judicial system rather than administrative measures.

Several elected officials from Lille and the Lille metropolitan area, including members of Europe Ecologie Les Verts, joined the rally. Mélisa Camara, a municipal and community councillor, expressed concern over the attack on association rights and civil disobedience. She warned that without adequate government action on climate change, more violence can be expected.

The SLT, which originated in the former ZAD of Notre-Dame-des-Landes in January 2021, called for mobilization following the Council of Ministers’ decision. More than 100 cities were expected to host support rallies on Wednesday evening.

In addition to Lille, Montreuil-sur-Mer and Arras in Nord Pas-de-Calais were listed as gathering locations on the SLT’s map. The prefect of Arras announced the cancellation of concerts planned for the prefecture’s square as part of a music festival, citing the risk of public order disturbances.

Why do activists argue that the dissolution of the Earth Uprisings undermines the importance of grassroots movements in addressing environmental issues?

N to address environmental issues. They argued that the dissolution of the Earth Uprisings is a step in the wrong direction and undermines the importance of grassroots movements in advocating for change.

In Paris, hundreds of activists assembled near the Place de la Bastille to voice their discontent with the government’s decision. They carried banners and chanted slogans such as “Environmental rights are human rights” and “Protect our planet, protect our future.”

Many participants expressed concerns about the increasing limitations on civil liberties and the suppression of environmental activism. Sophie Dupont, a student at the University of Paris, said, “We have the right to peacefully protest and speak out against injustices. Dissolving the Earth Uprisings goes against our democratic values.”

The government, however, defended its decision, stating that it was necessary to maintain public order and protect citizens. Interior Minister, Jean-Pierre Durand, argued that the collective’s actions had crossed the line into violence, necessitating their dissolution.

Despite the government’s stance, the protest movement shows no signs of waning. Activists have vowed to continue their fight, organizing future demonstrations and advocating for stronger environmental protections.

Whether the dissolution of the Earth Uprisings will have a lasting impact on the environmental movement in France remains to be seen. However, the rallies held across the country demonstrate a strong and unified resistance against what many perceive as an attack on their rights and the vital issue of climate change.