Far-left extremists likely behind France rail sabotage, interior minister says

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin stated that far-left extremists are likely responsible for recent sabotage of France's high-speed train network, which caused significant travel disruptions just before the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The attacks, which involved arson at signal substations and cables, were described as deliberate and well-targeted, consistent with tactics used by ultra-left groups in the past. Darmanin mentioned that authorities have identified several individuals connected to the sabotage but urged caution regarding their affiliations, suggesting they may have acted independently or been manipulated.

In connection with the investigation, an ultra-left activist was arrested at a site belonging to the national rail operator SNCF, found with access keys, tools, and related literature. The attacks resulted in travel chaos for approximately 800,000 people, with 100,000 train cancellations, leading to considerable financial implications for SNCF. By Monday morning, all train services had resumed after extensive repair efforts over the weekend.

Additionally, isolated vandalism incidents affected France's telecom network, causing temporary outages. Junior Minister for Digital Matters Marina Ferrari condemned these acts, emphasizing the swift restoration of services. The overall situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the Olympic Games, with some groups criticizing the event as a symbol of nationalism and oppression.