Bally Bagayoko, recently elected mayor of Saint-Denis, a town near Paris, has called for urgent action to combat race hatred and the rise of far-right ideologies in France. Following his election, Bagayoko faced a barrage of racist insults, prompting an investigation by the Paris prosecutor’s office. He stated that racist views have become more normalized, emphasizing the need for unity among citizens to oppose discrimination. An anti-racism rally is planned in his support, reflecting widespread concern over the normalization of racism. Bagayoko, affiliated with the radical left party La France Insoumise (LFI), highlighted the connection between economic inequality and the rise of far-right sentiments, stating that austerity policies create divisions that allow racist ideologies to flourish. He aims to address these issues by advocating for increased investment in education and housing in underprivileged areas. As the first mayor from a local immigrant background, Bagayoko feels he has broken a significant barrier, yet he acknowledges the challenges ahead in combating racism and promoting equality in France.