Résister by Salomé Saqué: An Emergency Handbook for Confronting the Rise of the Far Right

Introduction

The death of Jean-Marie Le Pen, a historic figure of the French far right, marks the end of an era, but certainly not the end of the ideas he represented. On the contrary, in recent years, we have witnessed the growing influence of these ideas, increasingly normalised and less demonised. In France, as in other parts of the world, populist and nationalist forces are gaining ground both in society and at the ballot box. Recent legislative elections, from Italy to Sweden, have confirmed this trend.

The surge of hate speech on social media, the acts of violence that stem from it, and, more recently, the Nazi salutes performed by Elon Musk during Donald Trump’s second inauguration, are all alarming signs that can no longer be ignored.

It is in this particularly troubling context that Salomé Saqué’s book, Résister, takes on its full significance. Awarded the Q d’Or 2025, this work dissects the mechanisms behind the rise of the far right and highlights its consequences on our societies, while also offering concrete solutions to counter it. With a clear and well-argued style, Salomé Saqué links the fight against this threat to the defence of human rights, which lie at the heart of our democracies.

Understanding the Mechanisms Behind the Rise of the Far Right

First, the author demonstrates how the rise of the far right directly threatens human rights. She provides several examples, such as the regression of women’s rights, citing attacks on abortion rights in both the United States and Europe, with restrictive laws introduced in Poland in 2020. She discusses the stigmatisation of minorities, reminding us that in Hungary, for instance, the rights of LGBTQ+ people are systematically violated. The criminalisation of human rights activists is also criticised, as illustrated by the prosecution of environmental activists for their peaceful acts of civil disobedience in Europe, a concern raised by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders, Michel Forst¹.

Next, to help us understand the inner workings of this rapid rise of the far right, Salomé Saqué analyses the discourse, strategies, and networks that enable it to attract a segment of the population. She highlights the importance of the narratives these movements construct, offering simplistic answers to complex problems, exploiting fears and resentments.

As the book reminds us, “The far right does not merely ride the wave of public anxieties; it amplifies, distorts, and weaponises them.”

According to the author, the far right’s surge in France is the result of a cultural battle waged by the National Rally and its supporters over the years. This battle operates on three levels: media, language, and digital platforms.

• Media influence: exemplified by the media empire controlled by Vincent Bolloré and the continued effort by certain media outlets to normalise the National Rally.
• Linguistic manipulation: through the development of a far-right vocabulary, including terms like “ensauvagement” (a term suggesting society is becoming wild), “wokism”, and “rights-based ideology”.
• Digital expansion: via the growing influence of the “fachosphere” (a network of far-right online influencers), the strategic use of social media by far-right politicians, and the promotion of a reactionary “lifestyle”, such as the resurgence of the “trad wife” (traditional wife) trend encouraged by certain influencers.

Misinformation and social media bear significant responsibility, according to the author, who analyses the impact of fake news and algorithms, which amplify hate speech. A 2018 study conducted by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that false information spreads 70% faster than factual content². Moreover, the fear of foreigners, exploited by far-right parties, fuels policies of identity-based retreat. The book illustrates this phenomenon with concrete examples, such as Italy’s anti-migrant policies.

Salomé Saqué also highlights how economic and social crises, manifesting through rising inequalities and the state’s withdrawal from key sectors like healthcare and education, create fertile ground for populist rhetoric.

Résister : A Collective Necessity

In the third section, Salomé Saqué advocates for a universal right to indignation as a means to fight the far right, stressing the necessity of both individual and collective resistance. Here are some of her key recommendations:

• Education and awareness: Developing critical thinking skills, particularly among young people, is crucial. The author calls for strengthened school curricula on human rights and the history of discrimination.
• Defending independent media: Supporting a free and independent press is essential to counter misinformation, which the far right exploits.
• Active civic engagement: Voting, protesting, and joining activist organisations are all ways to influence political decisions.
• Building local solidarity: Encouraging mutual aid and social cohesion can help counter the fear of others.
• Regulating digital platforms: The author urges greater accountability from tech giants like Meta and X (formerly Twitter) to curb the spread of hate speech.

Conclusion

Résister by Salomé Saqué is far more than a mere analysis. Accessible in both its writing style and its price (€5), it serves as a call to action; a practical guide for those who wish to actively engage in the fight against the far right. By providing a deep understanding of the mechanisms behind this ideology and offering concrete strategies for resistance, the author equips readers with the tools to build a fairer and more humane future.

This book resonates particularly strongly in today’s political climate. With the far right’s influence steadily growing, everyone can play a role, no matter how small. This book is an invitation not to remain a passive spectator, but to become an active participant in shaping a more just and united world. Résister reminds us that the defence of human rights is everyone’s responsibility. As Salomé Saqué writes: “It is not enough to simply say no. We must also offer an ambitious yes, an inclusive vision of the future where everyone has a place.”

Translated by Greta Aurora Zottoli