In the latest move in France's crackdown on violent extremist groups, the far-right Bloc montpelliérain from Montpellier was dissolved on March 4, 2026, by the council of ministers for promoting violence, hatred, and discrimination. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon announced further dissolutions targeting far-left and far-right groups.
The dissolution of Bloc montpelliérain follows intensified efforts after the February 14 beating death of far-right militant Quentin Deranque in Lyon, which prompted an inquiry into the reconstitution of the far-left Jeune Garde (dissolved in June 2025) and President Macron's February 24 meeting with ministers to address violent groups linked to political parties.
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon confirmed the action, initiated months earlier by the Interior Ministry, and stated that 'three other dissolutions of violent groups from the far left and far right will follow.' The Interior Ministry is also targeting five local branches of Jeune Garde—founded in 2018 in Lyon by La France insoumise deputy Raphaël Arnault—as well as the far-right Patria albiges in Albi and a far-left groupuscule. Seven individuals linked to Jeune Garde have been indicted over Deranque's death.
Since 2017, 49 groups have been dissolved by decree, including Jeune Garde and Lyon populaire, though some like Les Soulèvements de la Terre have appealed successfully to the Conseil d'État.
