On Wednesday evening in Nanterre, French government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot and her campaign team were attacked, resulting in two injuries. Thevenot was with her deputy, Virginie Lanlo, and two other team members in Meudon, putting up election posters when they noticed some young people damaging the posters.
After calmly asking the vandals to stop, a man tore down a poster and shouted, "To the Koran, call everyone." He returned with about twenty people, leading to a scuffle. The national police arrived within minutes, but not before Lanlo suffered a laceration on her arm and another campaign worker sustained a broken jaw.
The Nanterre public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the incident, arresting three minors and one adult. The attack has heightened concerns about violence in the lead-up to the second round of the French parliamentary elections. Numerous politicians, including Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné, have condemned the attack, emphasizing that violence and intimidation have no place in a democracy.
This incident is part of a broader trend of increasing tensions and violence in the current election campaign. Health Minister Frédéric Valletoux has expressed concern over the escalating hostility, noting that insults at campaign events often escalate quickly. Thevenot herself had recently highlighted the rise in racism during the campaign, citing a racist remark directed at her by a candidate from the right-wing populist Rassemblement National party.
The attack also underscores the growing dissatisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron and his Renaissance party. Since Macron's decision to dissolve parliament following poor results in the European elections, both he and his party have seen a significant decline in voter support. This decision is perceived by many as an act of wounded pride and has reinforced the image of Macron as an authoritarian leader pushing unpopular reforms.
- Thevenot was not physically injured during the attack, but her deputy, Virginie Lanlo, suffered a laceration on her arm. Another campaign worker sustained a broken jaw from several punches and blows from a scooter. Both were taken to Percy Hospital in Clamart for treatment.
- During the evening, four people were arrested in connection with the attack, including three minors. The Nanterre public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into 'violence in a meeting against an elected official.'
- Numerous politicians have expressed their solidarity with the victims. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal stated on X that 'violence and intimidation have no place in our democracy.' Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné also expressed his shock at the attack.
- The attack on Thevenot and her team is part of a larger pattern of violence and tension during this election campaign. Health Minister Frédéric Valletoux has noted the increasing hostility at campaign events, where insults often escalate into physical confrontations.
- The incident also highlights the growing dissatisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron and his Renaissance party. Since Macron's controversial decision to dissolve parliament, his support among voters has plummeted. Many see this decision as a sign of wounded pride and authoritarianism, further damaging Macron's image.
