A rally was held yesterday in support of Anasse Kazib, the railway worker and revolutionary candidate for president of France who has been issued a summons by the police for having organized a rally against direct threats made by right-wing extremists. The noted French actor Adèle Haenel, star of Portrait of a Lady on Fire and other films, wanted to be there but could not. Instead, she sent a letter that was read to the crowd.

Hello,

Unfortunately, I am not able to be with you this afternoon. I hope there is a great turnout.

Anasse Kazib’s campaign has endured intolerable levels of harassment and invisibilization. A year ago, I would not have considered myself anti-capitalist. But thanks to Révolution Permanente and Anasse, these ideas have been inscribed not only in my head, but also in my heart. It is clear to me now that no real freedom is possible without destroying the capitalist system and replacing it with something else. Your vision is full of hope and brilliance. I am 100 percent on your side. France would look very different today if the politics of Révolution Permanente and the intelligent sensibility of Anasse were publicized as much as the words of the extreme Right. We wouldn’t be in this mess, because your ideas are powerful and contagious.

Thank you for making us collectively smarter.

Honestly, you are the hope of this world.

Warmly,

Adèle

First published in French on March 3 in Révolution Permanente.

Translated by Emma Lee