Authorities are on high alert as the second round of legislative elections approaches on Sunday, July 7. Despite the lack of significant violence during the first round on June 30, the risk of unrest is believed to be higher this time. The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, has called on regional prefects to be extremely vigilant. A total of thirty thousand police officers and gendarmes, including 5,000 in Paris and its suburbs, will be mobilized to prevent any disorder caused by the ultra-left or ultra-right factions.
The Ministry of the Interior has issued a ten-page circular outlining rules and recommendations to ensure the overall security of the electoral process. This includes the security of sensitive sites, combating misinformation, securing electoral lists and proxies, and ensuring the safety of ballot papers and polling stations. The circular also addresses potential demonstrations on the day before and on election day.
Gérald Darmanin expressed his concerns on France 2 regarding the attack on government spokesperson Prisca Thévenot while she was putting up posters in Meudon. He lamented that there seems to be a 'liberation from violence' occurring in the country. Darmanin, who is also a candidate in the second round in Tourcoing, reiterated his stance against voting for France Insoumise or the RN, emphasizing the need to block the RN without supporting rebellious France.
Marine Le Pen sparked controversy by expressing fears of a wave of appointments before possible cohabitation. Government spokesperson Prisca Thévenot responded by announcing two appointments and explaining that others would be documented in the minutes. Philippe Tireloque was appointed inspector general of active services of the national police, and Jérôme Harnois was appointed prefect of Charente starting August 19, 2024. Thévenot dismissed accusations of an 'administrative coup d’état' from Le Pen, stating that appointments are a regular occurrence before the summer period to prepare for the start of the school year.
- Darmanin's strong words against both the ultra-left and ultra-right underline the heightened tensions surrounding the elections. The deployment of thirty thousand security personnel is a significant measure aimed at maintaining order.
- The Ministry of the Interior's circular is a comprehensive document designed to safeguard the integrity of the election. It addresses various aspects of security, from physical sites to the handling of information and election materials.
- The attack on Prisca Thévenot highlights the volatile political climate. Darmanin's comments reflect a broader concern about increasing political violence and the challenges of maintaining a peaceful democratic process.
- Marine Le Pen's controversy over appointments adds another layer of tension. The government's response aims to reassure the public that these appointments are standard procedure and not politically motivated.
