Lyon’s famed Festival of Lights, an annual event drawing millions, was briefly overshadowed Saturday evening by a politically charged act of protest. Environmental activists affiliated with the group Les Soulèvements de la Terre (Uprisings of the Earth) projected messages critical of French police and the National Rally party onto the façade of the city’s Musée des Beaux-Arts.The incident prompted swift condemnation from government officials and underscores escalating tensions surrounding both environmental activism and France’s political landscape.
Environmental activists claimed responsibility for politically charged messages projected onto buildings in Lyon, France, during the city’s annual Festival of Lights on Saturday. The projections, which included criticism of police and the far-right National Rally party, sparked immediate condemnation from government officials.
The group, known as Les Soulèvements de la Terre (Uprisings of the Earth), posted images of the projections on their Instagram account Saturday evening, confirming their involvement. The incident occurred as the four-day Festival of Lights, which draws nearly two million visitors each year, was underway, with 23 illuminated art installations displayed across the city.
Messages projected onto the facade of the Musée des Beaux-Arts included phrases such as “The police injure and kill,” “No to the police state,” and “Police violence is everywhere.” Others referenced the controversial planned reservoirs in Sainte-Soline and called for opposition to the National Rally party, stating “On dégage le RN” (Let’s get rid of the RN).
Interior Minister Condemns Projections
France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, swiftly condemned the messages, stating on X, “Total condemnation of the hateful messages in Lyon against our law enforcement officers who protect us. Support for our police and gendarmes.”
Fabienne Buccio, the prefect of the Rhône department, described the incident as an act of “extreme left” activism and announced she was referring the matter to the justice system under Article 40 of the French Code of Criminal Procedure, according to reports. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between environmental activist groups and French authorities.
The Festival of Lights has roots in a Catholic tradition dating back to December 8th, when residents light candles in their windows to honor the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Lyon. For the past four decades, the event has evolved into a major artistic showcase featuring illuminated installations.
