Politics · France · 50 mins ago
Orléans braces for major protest as RN holds congress
The National Rally held its congress in Orléans on Saturday, October 24, as protesters prepared to march against the party and its ideas.
Authorities expected up to 30,000 people at the demonstration, on a route changed to avoid the city centre.
Police deployed nearly 3,000 officers, with further equipment, as authorities warned that 2,000 to 3,000 radical protesters might join the crowd.
The city centre faced broad closures and transport restrictions, while shops protected their windows and some businesses closed.
At the Zenith, about 5,000 National Rally members and officials were due to attend, where Jordan Bardella was the only candidate for party leader.
More than two-thirds of party members took part in the leadership vote, which also renewed internal party bodies.
The congress came before Marine Le Pen's campaign rally on Sunday, as the party looked toward France's 2027 presidential election.
Authorities expect up to 30,000 people at a protest in Orléans on Saturday, 24 October, as the National Rally holds its congress.
The protest route has been changed to avoid the city centre, where shops and public facilities have taken precautions.
Police have mobilised nearly 3,000 officers to secure the march and the party congress.
The protest was called by political parties, unions and associations, including groups opposing racism, fascism and the National Rally.
At the congress, 5,000 National Rally members and officials are due to meet, with Jordan Bardella the sole candidate for re-election as party president.
- Who
- Authorities expect up to 30,000 protesters. The National Rally is holding its congress, with Jordan Bardella seeking re-election as president.
- What
- A large protest is taking place alongside the National Rally congress.
- When
- Saturday, 24 October 2026, from 10:30. The congress is scheduled to begin at 14:30.
- Where
- Orléans, France. The congress is at the Zénith.
- Why
- Protest organisers called for a rally against racism, fascism and imperialism, and specifically against the National Rally and its ideas.
Protest organisers
National Rally
Purpose
Protest organisers
Organisers called for a rally against racism, fascism and imperialism, and against the National Rally and its ideas.
National Rally
The party is holding its congress and plans a show of strength in Orléans.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez visited to inspect the security arrangements.
Authorities expect up to 30,000 people at the protest in Orléans.
The National Rally congress is scheduled to begin at the Zénith.
The National Rally is scheduled to hold a major campaign meeting.
- Expected protesters
- Up to 30,000
- Security deployment
- Nearly 3,000 police officers and gendarmes
- Congress venue
- Zénith d’Orléans
- Congress attendance
- 5,000 National Rally members and officials
- Bardella’s re-election
- Sole candidate for party president
14 sources
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What people are saying
contre le racisme, le fascisme et l'impérialisme
contre le RN et ses idées mortifères
pas d'inquiétude
C'est un peu la campagne à venir qui se joue