The article traces the historical trajectory of antifascism in France, highlighting how, fifty years ago, radical antifascists were suspicious of representative institutions, viewing them as complicit in authoritarian tendencies. At that time, leaders like Lionel Jospin asserted that there was no fascist threat in France, reflecting a widespread leftist belief that, despite the emergence of the National Front, fascism was a relic of the past—associated with the political turmoil of the 1930s and Vichy’s collaboration during the Occupation.

Fast forward four decades, the political landscape in France has dramatically shifted, with the term "fascism" regaining prominence in political discourse. The article notes how the National Rally (RN) has undergone a process of "de-demonization," making it a significant player in contemporary politics. Antifascism has transformed from a fringe movement into a central theme in mobilizations within society, as evidenced by recent events in places like Lyon.

The implications of this shift highlight a growing concern about the normalization of far-right ideologies in political conversations, suggesting a return to a more vigilant stance against perceived fascist influences in French society. Figures such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon have become emblematic of this renewed antifascist sentiment, illustrating how the legacy of radical antifascism now plays a critical role in shaping leftist political strategies and societal responses to far-right narratives.