Renowned French singer Aya Nakamura has recently taken to social media to advocate against the far-right National Rally party in the upcoming high-stakes election in France. The party, led by Jordan Bardella, has proposed policies that have sparked criticism and concern among French celebrities of dual nationality.
Nakamura, who immigrated to France from Mali as a child and gained fame with her hit song 'Djadja,' shared her personal experiences with racism in France, emphasizing her understanding of the issue. In a social media post, she called on her fans to vote against what she referred to as 'the only extreme to be condemned,' a clear allusion to the far right.
Expressing her belief that her role as a prominent musical artist necessitates speaking out during crucial moments, Nakamura highlighted the importance of taking a stand against discriminatory policies. Despite facing backlash and threats from far-right groups in the past, Nakamura remains steadfast in her advocacy for social justice and equality.
Joining Nakamura in denouncing the far right are other influential figures, including French-Beninese footballer Jules Kounde and football star Kylian Mbappé, who have used their platforms to discourage support for extremist ideologies. Kounde, in a recent press conference, expressed his disappointment with the rise of far-right sentiments in France and emphasized the need to resist such divisive forces for the greater good of the country.
The surge of the far right in the initial round of voting has not gone unnoticed by international observers, with top United Nations officials warning against the implications of far-right gains across Europe. The UN's human rights chief, Volker Turk, has labeled these developments as an 'alarm bell,' signaling the potential threat posed by extremist ideologies to democratic values and human rights.
As the French electorate prepares for the crucial second round of voting, the voices of Nakamura, Kounde, Mbappé, and other public figures serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding inclusive and progressive values in the face of rising far-right movements.
