Protests erupt as French far‑right gains ground in elections
Opponents of the French right wing took to the streets. Protesters initially gathered at Republic Square. However, the demonstration soon spilt onto the streets and turned aggressive, prompting police intervention.
The crowd of thousands first chanted slogans against the far-right National Rally (RN) and its leader, Jordan Bardella. Politicians from the left-wing New People's Front (NFP) - a pre-election alliance of socialists, communists, Greens, and the far-left Unsubmissive France (LFI) - were expected at the square.
Then, the demonstrators began destroying shop windows and setting fires on the streets. The police intervened, and clashes with officers ensued.
Elections in france
On Monday, the French Ministry of the Interior reported that the far-right National Rally and its allies received 33.2% of the votes in the first round of parliamentary elections. The left-wing New People's Front received 28%, the centrist camp of President Emmanuel Macron received 20%, and the right-wing Republicans received 6.6%. Parties associated with President Emmanuel Macron placed third, with an estimated support forecast of 21%. The second round of elections will take place on 7 July.
