Antifascist protest on sidelines of RN congress in Orléans highlights divisions on French left

On October 24, Orléans was divided as the Rassemblement National held its congress while antifascist groups protested nearby. Only authorized personnel could cross the Loire bridges, highlighting a political rift in France. The antifascist march attracted around 26,000 participants, though local authorities estimated half that number. Many attendees came from various regions, but heavy security measures limited turnout, with trains and buses subjected to searches. Some buses carrying undocumented individuals were turned back to Paris.