Increasing Attacks on Legislative Candidates in France
In the final hours leading up to the end of the legislative campaign in France, there has been a concerning rise in attacks against candidates. The candidate of the New Popular Front (NFP) in Loiret, Bruno Nottin, has faced a series of threats and harassment. Communist senator Ian Brossat announced on the X network that Nottin's car was tagged with insults, and he has been the target of verbal attacks and death threats.
Verbal and Physical Assaults
Nottin, a PCF municipal councilor of Montargis, experienced repeated threats during the electoral campaign. His car was spray-painted with offensive language, and he was verbally attacked while distributing leaflets in Montargis. The attacks are attributed to far-right voters, with one instance involving a voter allegedly threatening to kill him. The harassment has escalated over the past months, including swastikas sprayed near his home and anonymous death threats.
Broader Context of Violence
The situation is not isolated to Nottin. Marie Dauchy, a National Rally candidate in Savoie, was attacked at a market in La Rochette. A local trader admitted to publicly insulting her and attempting to snatch her leaflets, though he denies making death threats. This incident adds to the 51 reported cases of candidates, substitutes, or activists being physically attacked during the legislative election campaign. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin highlighted the presence of politically motivated attackers from both the ultra-left and ultra-right.
- The increase in violent, racist, and homophobic acts has alarmed many in France. In the 4th constituency of Loiret, left alliance activists have reported multiple incidents of harassment. An 80-year-old activist was pursued while distributing leaflets, and other similar events have occurred in Montargis.
- The left alliance in Loiret has called on all Republicans, Democrats, and supporters of the rule of law to oppose the National Rally candidate at the polls. They emphasize the importance of standing against the increase in violent and racist acts.
- The Chambéry prosecutor is continuing the investigation into the attack on Marie Dauchy, seeking witnesses to the incident. The prosecutor's office has confirmed that Dauchy received a total incapacity for work for eight days due to the attack.
