Escalating Tensions in French Elections
The French elections have taken a violent turn, with authorities bracing for increased street violence on election night. Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, announced the mobilization of 30,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country, including 5,000 in Paris and its suburbs. This increased security measure comes in anticipation of potential clashes between far-left and far-right groups, especially if the National Rally sees significant success.
In a worrying trend, violence was already observed in 37 cities during the first round of elections, and experts predict this number could rise to a hundred in the coming days. The ultra-left groups are particularly concerning to specialized services, with expectations of more numerous and excited rioters. The risk of clashes between extremist factions from both sides is high, as they may seek to avenge their defeat or celebrate their victory.
High-Risk Campaigning and Incidents
The period between the two rounds of the anticipated legislative elections in Val-de-Marne has been marked by significant tensions and incidents. In Meudon (Hauts-de-Seine), the team of government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot was attacked, highlighting the high-risk nature of this election. In the 1st constituency, Sylvain Berrios (LR) announced plans to file a complaint following an incident involving the snatching of a photo of a baby hostage held by Hamas. Berrios criticized his opponent, Lyes Louffok, for allegedly condoning such behavior, though Louffok has suspended the activist involved and condemned the actions.
In the 8th district, tensions remain high with incidents of intimidation reported. Similarly, in the 6th district around Vincennes, candidate May Bouhada (Les Écologues) has reported racist, sexist, and homophobic insults directed at activists of the New Popular Front. The outgoing deputy, Guillaume Gouffier Valente (Renaissance), also condemned these attacks and expressed solidarity with those affected. Both sides have experienced physical threats, defaced posters, and other forms of harassment, indicating a deeply polarized and volatile election environment.
- On election night, authorities are preparing for a scenario similar to the first round but with potentially higher levels of violence. The mobilization of 30,000 police officers and gendarmes is a significant increase in security measures aimed at preventing clashes between far-left and far-right groups.
- The attack on Prisca Thevenot's team in Meudon underscores the high-risk nature of the current campaign period. In the 1st constituency, Sylvain Berrios has criticized his opponent Lyes Louffok for the actions of an activist, though Louffok has taken steps to address the issue.
- In the 8th and 6th districts, candidates and activists have reported various forms of harassment and intimidation, including racist, sexist, and homophobic insults. The outgoing deputy, Guillaume Gouffier Valente, has condemned these attacks and expressed solidarity with those affected. Both sides are experiencing a deeply polarized and volatile election environment, with physical threats and defaced posters being common occurrences.
