There are growing calls in France for violent left-wing activists to be classified as terrorists following the death of 23-year-old Quentin, who died from his injuries caused by a brutal attack in Lyon on Thursday.

The political world in France and beyond has been left horrified by this act of violence. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the “far left” was “clearly” behind the attack and pointed to the possible involvement of the ‘antifascist’ La Jeune Garde group, founded by leftist MP Raphaël Arnault.

Reconquête President Eric Zemmour said the attack “reveals only the violence of the far left since the Revolution and the communists.”

The State must stop these militias, condemn them, and permanently dissolve the Jeune Garde. Let’s stop tolerating these people!

Marine Le Pen also called on the government “to emerge from its torpor in the face of far-left militias which, for years, relying on the complacency and support of parties such as La France Insoumise, have multiplied in the public space intimidations, threats and assaults.”

Democracy can no longer accept those who want to overthrow it. Given the gravity of the threats and the clearly manifested criminal intentions, the government must consider these militias as terrorist groups.

Demonstrators gathered in Paris on Sunday, standing behind a banner reading “Antifa murderers, justice for Quentin.” Identité Libertés leader Marion Maréchal, attending the rally, echoed this call on social media.

Justice pour Quentin. pic.twitter.com/pA1CP7Jv4u

— Marion Maréchal (@MarionMarechal) February 15, 2026

Discussing leftist violence more broadly, Institut Polémia director Jean-Yves Le Gallou described activists as “ready to do anything to prevent people who could change things from coming to power.”

What enrages the far left is seeing young people getting involved on the right.

Even in Germany, right-wing officials called time on violent leftist groups. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel said that Quentin had become “the victim of a violent left-wing mob that enjoys complete impunity in the EU,” adding: “Antifa must now be classified as a terrorist organisation.”