Growing Concerns Over Political Violence In French Parliamentary Elections

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen speaks as Jordan Bardella, president of the French far-right National Rally, listens at the party election night headquarters after French President Emanuel Macro

As France gears up for crucial parliamentary elections, worries are mounting over political violence following a spate of attacks on lawmakers on the campaign trail. The incidents have sparked fears of escalating tensions in the lead-up to Sunday's elections.

French government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot and her team were targeted during a canvassing event, adding to a series of violent episodes involving politicians vying in the upcoming elections. The violence has not been limited to one party, with lawmakers from various political affiliations facing assaults.

One such incident involved National Rally politician Marie Dauchy, who decided to halt her campaign after being physically assaulted while engaging with voters at a market. In another case, a center-right candidate, Nicolas Conquer, lodged a formal complaint alleging an assault by left-wing campaigners.

The potential for unrest has been underscored by warnings from political figures, including President Emmanuel Macron, who cautioned that a significant victory for the far-right or far-left could lead to widespread protests and even a risk of civil conflict.

French government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot and her team targeted during canvassing event.

Spate of attacks on lawmakers raises worries about political violence in France.

Violent episodes involve politicians from various political affiliations.

Despite the attacks, Thevenot has expressed her determination to continue campaigning, emphasizing that violence is never justified in the political arena. Authorities have taken action, with four individuals being questioned in connection with the assault on Thevenot's team.

Political leaders from diverse backgrounds have united in condemning the violence and emphasizing the need for a peaceful electoral process. Measures are being implemented to ensure public safety, with an additional 30,000 police officers and gendarmes set to be deployed on election night to prevent any potential disturbances.

The rise of the far-right National Rally party in the initial round of elections has added to the uncertainty, with the party securing a significant portion of the vote. While the RN is poised to gain a substantial number of seats in the National Assembly, the possibility of a hung parliament looms, signaling a period of political flux for France.