The 53-year-old in a suit who’s the face of France’s youth protests

A 53-year-old man, Bally Bagayoko, has become the face of France’s youth protests. Dressed in a gray suit and a lavender tie, he was seen shielding young male protesters from riot police during a demonstration in eastern Paris. Bagayoko, who is the mayor of St.-Denis Pierrefitte-sur-Seine, a diverse and populous suburb of Paris, has gained widespread recognition due to his involvement in the protests.

The protests began a month ago, with students calling for better conditions in their schools. Bagayoko's image has been frequently featured in social media and television news programs, eliciting both support and criticism. While some supporters have dubbed him a symbol of youth protests worldwide, akin to the comic book superhero Spider-Man, others, including right-wing politicians, have accused him of inciting violence and called for his removal.

Bagayoko has maintained a calm demeanor throughout the controversy, emphasizing that no one would have forgiven him for losing his temper on television. Born in a housing project in St.-Denis, Bagayoko has become a role model for many young people, especially those from working-class neighborhoods.