Backlash Against New Mayors of Color in France

On March 15, 2026, Bally Bagayoko was elected mayor of Saint-Denis, a city in the Île-de-France region, marking a significant political shift. Bagayoko, a member of the left-wing La France Insoumise (LFI) and the son of Malian immigrants, became the first mayor of color in a city characterized by its diverse population of 130 nationalities. His victory was notable as he was the only candidate in a municipality of over 150,000 residents to avoid a runoff election. This election was seen as a reflection of a broader trend, with 13 out of 39 mayors of color elected in Seine-Saint-Denis, a region historically marked by social disadvantage and unemployment.

The Guardian

Despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding his election, Bagayoko faced a swift and intense backlash. Accusations emerged on social media, falsely claiming he had stated he would make Saint-Denis a “city of Black people.” This misrepresentation, which originated from far-right sources, quickly gained traction in mainstream media. Furthermore, Bagayoko encountered direct racism during interviews, including a suggestion from a journalist that his campaign had ties to drug dealers. The situation escalated when a guest on the right-wing channel CNews compared him to a “primitive tribal chief,” prompting police investigations into the racist remarks.

The Guardian

The institutional response to these attacks has been criticized as inadequate. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Minister of the Interior Laurent Nuñez condemned the racist remarks only after media scrutiny. In contrast, President Emmanuel Macron's response was vague, with his office stating he condemns all racist attacks without addressing the specific incidents involving Bagayoko. On April 4, 2026, Bagayoko organized a rally against racism, which drew tens of thousands of supporters, yet no government officials attended, raising questions about the state’s commitment to addressing racial issues.

The Guardian

The elections in Saint-Denis and the subsequent backlash highlight a deep-seated civilizational anxiety in France regarding race and representation. Critics argue that instead of celebrating the democratic engagement of these newly elected officials, media narratives often portray them as illegitimate. For instance, Bagayoko was questioned about high voter turnout in certain neighborhoods, suggesting that their participation was somehow problematic. This scrutiny reflects a broader fear of a changing demographic landscape in France, where descendants of colonized populations are increasingly seeking leadership roles.

The Guardian

• “Meanwhile, the elected officials themselves were cast as intruders, as though they had slipped in through the back door, despite enjoying an indisputable popular mandate.” — Rokhaya Diallo, Writer and Activist

The Guardian

• “The issue is not so much the presence of people of colour, as their access to positions of power.” — Rokhaya Diallo, Writer and Activist

The Guardian

The election of mayors of color in France, particularly in areas like Saint-Denis, represents a significant shift in the political landscape. However, the backlash faced by these leaders underscores ongoing racial tensions and the challenges of representation in a country grappling with its colonial past. As these newly elected officials work to address the needs of their communities, the response from both the public and institutions will be crucial in shaping the future of France’s political discourse.

The Guardian