PARIS: Amnesty International has raised concern over what it describes as a troubling increase in racist rhetoric and mounting pressure on the rule of law as France approaches its next presidential election.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organisation warned that the tone of political discourse and media debate has grown increasingly hostile, particularly in the run-up to the 2027 vote. It highlighted a rise in public expressions of racism alongside what it called attacks on judicial independence.
The warning comes as President Emmanuel Macron prepares to step down at the end of his second term, in line with constitutional limits. His departure is expected to open a highly competitive race, with the far-right National Rally (RN) widely seen as having a strong opportunity to gain power.
Anne Savinel-Barras, head of Amnesty’s French branch, said the intensity and tone of current debates were cause for serious concern. She pointed to what she described as “virulent” exchanges in political and media circles, including racist attacks and growing criticism directed at legal institutions.
Recent incidents have underscored these concerns. Bally Bagayoko, the mayor of Saint-Denis – one of the largest suburbs of Paris – was subjected to a wave of racist abuse following his election last month. Separately, members of the left-wing La France Insoumise (LFI) reported receiving a racist letter targeting several of its Black lawmakers, including a deputy speaker in parliament.
Tensions have also extended into the judicial sphere. The RN has previously criticised what it termed a “tyranny of judges” after a court ruling barred its prominent figure Marine Le Pen from holding public office over a case involving alleged misuse of European Parliament funds. The judge involved in that ruling reportedly received death threats.
In a separate case, another judge faced threats after sentencing former president Nicolas Sarkozy to prison over accusations linked to illicit campaign financing during his successful 2007 presidential bid, according to AFP.
The legal proceedings surrounding Le Pen remain ongoing, with a decision expected in July on her appeal. Should the ban be upheld, her political ally Jordan Bardella is anticipated to step in as the RN’s presidential candidate.
Amnesty warned that these developments collectively point to a deteriorating environment ahead of the election, marked by heightened polarisation, threats against public officials, and increasing strain on democratic institutions.
