He denounces the French government’s unworthy silence as thousands take to the streets.
On Tuesday, Saint-Denis Mayor Bally Bagayoko once again joined protests in Paris in support of students and teachers.
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“I welcome the presence of Greta Thunberg — the Swedish environmental activist and international figure in the fight against climate change — who has come to support the struggle of students at Paul-Eluard High School. Saint-Denis: capital of resistance and the convergence of struggles!” he posted on X.
“Solidarity, climate and social justice, convergence of struggles!” added the La France Insoumise politician, who has visited the school in his city on several occasions since the blockades began, according to the media outlet RTL.
On Tuesday, the demonstrations in Paris drew a surprise turnout of thousands of participants, who marched from two separate gatherings, one originating at Italy Square and the other at City Hall.
Both marches converged at Port-Royal station before ending near Les Invalides, in the heart of Paris and close to numerous government ministries, as well as the National Assembly, where debate on the 2027 budget was scheduled to begin.
Bravo à la jeunesse mobilisée. Vous êtes notre fierté 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/qlVjfFJgHr
— Bally Bagayoko (@BallyBagayoko) October 8, 2026
Mayor Bally Bagayoko’s text reads, “Kudos to the mobilized youth. They are our pride!”
Bagayoko became a political and media icon of the student protests in France after stepping between police and demonstrators. He joined the demonstrations again to denounce the “unworthy” silence of the administration of President Emmanuel Macron.
“I am here to say that enough is enough when it comes to ignoring the voices of the oppressed. I am here to say that the silence with which the government and the president of the republic are trying to manage this situation is unworthy, and that is why there must be so many of us,” he said at the start of the two marches organized in the French capital.
The mayor of Saint-Denis, the most populous and stigmatized city in the Paris suburbs, said the students had his full support and that he would stand with them on the fifth day of strikes and demonstrations to “shout” that “the state must respond.”
“In particular, the president of the republic must respond, but so must the minister of higher education and the minister of national education,” said the mayor, a member of the left-wing party led by Jean-Luc Melenchon.
Asked about the prominence he has gained, including internationally, after images of him stepping between students and police on Oct. 6 went viral, Bagayoko said the “responsibility” he feels is that of a “citizen,” a “father” and an “activist.”
“It is the responsibility of an activist, and that is why I am here, precisely to apply pressure and ensure that people get answers,” the mayor said.
#France — Saint-Denis mayor Bally Bagayoko protects high school students from police violence.
Respect.pic.twitter.com/pTBHr1BX0c
— Antifa_Ultras (@ultras_antifaa) October 6, 2026
Who Is Bally Bagayoko?
Bally Bagayoko became mayor of Saint-Denis in March 2026 after winning 50.77% of the vote in the first round of municipal elections on March 15. He was formally elected by the municipal council on March 21, succeeding Socialist Mayor Mathieu Hanotin.
His victory was a significant breakthrough for LFI, giving the party control of one of the largest cities in the Paris region and strengthening its position ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election. Bagayoko’s election also marked a milestone in the political representation of residents with immigrant backgrounds in French urban politics.
Born in Levallois-Perret in 1973 to a family of Malian origin, Bagayoko moved to Saint-Denis when he was 2 years old and grew up in a working-class housing estate.
A father of four, he studied urban and suburban studies and geopolitics and began working as a manager at Paris’ public transport operator, RATP, in 2000. He also developed a longstanding involvement in local sports and community life, playing semiprofessional basketball and coaching a local club. His political career began in 2001, when he joined the team of Communist Mayor Patrick Braouezec.
He subsequently served as a deputy mayor responsible for communications, youth, sports and employment initiatives, as well as vice president of the Seine-Saint-Denis departmental council.
After an unsuccessful mayoral bid in 2020, when he finished third with around 18% of the vote, he returned to win the 2026 election.
As mayor, Bagayoko has positioned himself as a voice for working-class communities and the diverse population of Seine-Saint-Denis, a department north of Paris that faces persistent socioeconomic inequalities and ongoing debates over policing, public services and discrimination.
His political priorities include tackling exclusion, strengthening investment in disadvantaged neighborhoods and changing approaches to public security while maintaining a response to crime.
His election has also made him a prominent figure in France’s broader debate over racism and representation. After being targeted by racist insults and online abuse, he called for stronger action against discrimination.
teleSUR/ JF
Sources: EFE – Le Monde – Commune Nouvelle de Saint Denis
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