Today, in Paris, a far-right demonstration was held, provoking strong reactions and legitimate questions. Through this platform, I wish to express my indignation at this disturbing trend, which brings back painful memories, to dark hours that our nation has promised never to relive. Accepting this demonstration means turning a blind eye to history, to the sacrifice of the valiant soldiers, both French and African, who fought to liberate our land from the yoke of the Nazis. These heroes, through their bravery, were able to face horror and forged our current democracy. By disavowing them, we betray their memory, but also the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity that are the foundation of our Republic. It is crucial to remember that the far right fuels division, the rejection of others, and contempt for differences. It relies on fears and frustrations to seduce a segment of the population, promising simplistic solutions to complex problems. Such an ideology can, in the long run, only lead to exclusion, violence, and intolerance. It calls into question the achievements of our society, universal values that have been hard-won. It is therefore up to us not to give in to fear, not to let our country fall into extremes, but rather to promote dialogue, understanding, and solidarity. Our history teaches us that unity and resistance in the face of intolerance are the only paths to a just and peaceful future. To all those who share these values, I call on you to stand up, to make your voices heard, and to relentlessly combat extremism in all its forms. Let us not allow the shadows of the past to haunt our present. Together, let us preserve France, a France strong in its diversity and its human riches, a France that honors its history by looking to the future with confidence and determination. As elected officials, knowing our origins and our strength, we will never let our country fall into extremes. Never. Yannick OWONA