An estimated 35,000 people, including leaders from across the political spectrum, turned out in Paris – two weeks after the murder of a police officer during a drugs operation in Avignon.
Darmanin’s presence at the rally – a first by a head of police – was intended to show officers he is on their side.
Union leaders behind the protest say police are "angry" and "disgusted" at the death of Eric Masson, a 36-year-old father of two, whose killing is another example, they say, of violence against police that must be met with a "criminal response”.
Taking turns speaking on a podium set up in front of the National Assembly, the union bosses demanded minimum sentences for offenders who attack police, warning that a stronger criminal response was also needed to stop repeat offences.
They denounced the functioning of France's "too lenient" judicial system, slamming the performance of Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti – who also attended the protest, where he was met with boos.
A minute's silence was observed in tribute to members of the police force killed in the line of duty, followed by loud applause.
While the rally was open to all, no political figure was allowed access to the podium to speak.
However Darmanin told journalists at the event there was "nothing more normal" for him than showing up to support police, particularly during "this difficult moment".
Gérald Darmanin : «Il n’y a rien de plus normal que de soutenir les policiers dans une république» pic.twitter.com/RyiY7jSfFj
— CNEWS (@CNEWS) May 19, 2021
Political gamble
Masson’s murder sent shockwaves through France's police force, which had already been dealt a blow in April following the killing of Stéphanie Monfermé, an administrative officer, at a police station in Rambouillet, outside of Paris.
French media described Darmanin’s presence at the rally as both a "bold political move" and a physical risk – given he was mixed with crowds protesting against his own performance as head of police.
In a tweet an hour before the demonstration began, Darmanin announced the creation of 10,000 additional police and gendarmerie positions over the next five years.
With security emerging as a major campaign theme just weeks out from regional elections, elected officials from the Communist Party to the National Rally were keen to be seen supporting police.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo called for "a dialogue" between the police and the population, adding that officers needed better appreciation, recognition and support when they are attacked.
The rally ended with a performance of la Marseillaise, the French national anthem.
