Racist Backlash After Historic French Mayoral Election

History was made in Saint-Denis, a major suburb of Paris, when Bally Bagayoko was elected mayor. However, this significant achievement has been overshadowed by a disturbing wave of racist backlash, exposing deep-seated tensions surrounding race and political representation in France.

A Surge of Racist Harassment

Since Bagayoko’s victory in mid-March, city hall staff have been subjected to a relentless barrage of offensive and discriminatory phone calls. Callers have posed loaded questions, such as inquiring about headscarf requirements in schools or asking if Saint-Denis is now a “town of Blacks and Arabs.” Some callers have even resorted to playing music by Malian artists, adding a layer of veiled insult.

Kelly Kidou, who manages reception services at city hall, described the calls as a “new level” of openly racist remarks, noting that the anonymity of phone calls emboldens perpetrators. These incidents have become a daily occurrence, marking a troubling escalation in hostility.

Beyond Phone Calls: Disinformation and Dehumanization

The backlash isn’t confined to phone harassment. Several Black political figures, including parliamentary vice-president Nadège Abomangoli, have reportedly received letters containing dehumanizing and primitive depictions of Black individuals. Online, disinformation campaigns have falsely claimed Bagayoko referred to Saint-Denis as the “city of blacks,” when in reality, he celebrated it as “the city of kings – and of the living people.”

The controversy reached a fever pitch during a televised debate on CNews. A commentator’s rhetoric, invoking imagery associated with apes and tribal leadership, sparked widespread outrage from advocacy groups and political leaders alike. This incident highlighted how deeply ingrained racist tropes can be amplified in public discourse.

Condemnation from National Leaders

France’s Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has publicly condemned the climate surrounding these attacks, warning against the “normalisation of evil and racism.” Media outlets and political figures have echoed these concerns, with one editorial lamenting the “xenophobic attacks” and the “full regression” of a part of the country. Fabien Roussel pointed to “deep-seated discrimination against people of the Muslim faith, Arabs and Black people” that is “almost systemic.”

Community Solidarity Amidst Hostility

Within Saint-Denis, the community’s reaction is complex but increasingly unified. While the hostility is a frequent topic of conversation, some residents feel the backlash has inadvertently strengthened community bonds, fostering a sense of solidarity. Local leaders like Mohammed Ouaddane, head of a cultural association, describe the attacks as degrading and humiliating, emphasizing that Saint-Denis represents a vision for a pluralistic France that is being rebuilt.

Bagayoko, 52, born in France to Malian parents, represents the left-wing La France Insoumise party. His election is part of a larger trend where approximately ten mayors of African descent have won or retained office across France. While these victories are seen as progress, they undeniably bring persistent discrimination into sharper focus.