“Pride” and “a slap in the face to the obscurantists” for the left, “shame” and “an attack on French culture” for some sectors of the right and far right: the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has sparked reactions among the left-wing political class in France.
One point of controversy was the performance of Aya Nakamura, the French singer of Malian origin who has been criticised by the far right in recent months, who performed alongside the imposing Republican Guard.
Another controversial moment was the presence of drag queens in a performance that recalled Jesus’ Last Supper with his apostles. At the table, singer Philippe Catherine appeared in blue and semi-naked, as if she were Dionysus.
The fashion show featured trans model Raya Martini, and musical accompaniment by DJ, feminist and lesbian activist Barbara Butch.
“What pride it is when France speaks to the world!”, responded Manuel Bompard, coordinator of the France Insubisa party (LFI, radical left), on Saturday (27) on the social network celebrating the “values of freedom, equality” and fraternity to which a women’s club, parity and inclusion have been added”.
“It’s the best response to the rise of fascism and the far right,” commented environmental activist Sandrine Rousseau. “What a slap in the face to the obscurantists.”
The French government reposted a video of Nakamura’s performance with praise: “Tell me a better duet, I’ll wait,” celebrated Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, referring to the singer and the Republican Guard.
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