Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Topless protesters have disrupted a May Day speech by French far-right leader Marine Le Pen in central Paris.
The three activists interrupted the Front National leader’s address and pulled mock Nazis salutes, displaying slogans including “Heil Le Pen” and “Stop Fascism” on their breasts.
They chanted anti-fascist slogans from a balcony of a building overlooking the stage.
Ms Le Pen was using the traditional workers’ holiday to attack her political rivals, arguing that her party was “right on everything”.
“They have allowed massive immigration to install itself in France. They have unpinned the Islamic fundamentalist grenade,” she said. “We are right on everything.”
The activists who stormed the speech were from the Femen group, which has made a name for itself by pulling eye-catching stunts that feature nudity.
National Front security guards seized the protesting women, who were later arrested.
Ms Le Pen was also caught off guard when her father and the party’s founder, Jean-Marie, unexpectedly took the stage despite an internal disciplinary procedure against him over claims about the Second World War.
The Front National has risen dramatically in popularity since Mr Le Pen’s daughter took over, with polls showing Ms Le Pen as a competitive candidate for the President of the Republic.
After the leader’s speech was disrupted, the could be heard to comment: “Lots of surprises on this May 1”.
The speech was taking place at a wreath laying ceremony for Joan d’Arc, the 15th century French heroine who is sometimes used as a far-right nationalist symbol in the country.
The Front National is a far-right anti-immigration party. Its policies include cutting immigration by 90%, ending free European cross-border movement, building prisons, increasing police snooping powers, and leaving the Euro.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments