France elections: Thousands march across country in protest against far-right ahead of snap polls
France protests
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Franceon Saturday (Jun 15) to protest against the far-right National Rally (RN) party ahead of the upcoming snap parliamentary elections. The protests were joined by labour unions as well as student groups and rights groups to oppose the anti-immigration, eurosceptic party.
Protests across France
Around 250,000 people took to the streets across France, according to the interior ministry, despite rainy and windy weather amid fears that thesnap elections may lead to the first far-right government in the country since World War II.
WATCH |Thousands march ahead of French elections
In Paris, 75,000 protesters gathered at the Place de la Republique before marching through the eastern part of the city. According to French officials, up to 21,000 police and gendarmes were deployed.
The protesters held signs that read “Liberty for all, Equality for all and Fraternity with all” – a reference to France’s national motto.
Three officers injured, nine arrested
A report by Reuters citing an eyewitness video said that scuffles broke out during the protest in the French capital after some demonstrators carrying the red and black Antifa flag clashed with armoured riot police.
The police in Paris reported “numerous attempts at damage” by protesters, according to the Associated Press. They also reportedly arrested nine demonstrators and said three officers were injured.
An AP journalist said police used tear gas against demonstrators who tried to vandalise a bus stop and advertising boards.
What are the protests about?
In a surprise move last week, French President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the lower house of France’s parliament and called a snap election after his centrist Renaissance party was defeated by the far-right in the European elections.
Also Read |Russian SU-24 bomber briefly violates Swedish airspace
The elections will take place in two rounds on June 30 and July 7. Macron will remain president until 2027, however, if RN wins, his presidency will be weakened.
The unions in France noted that far-right leaders across the world, including Europe, have passed laws detrimental to women, the LGBTQ+ community, and people of colour.
Recent opinion polls show RN would lead in the first round of the election with 33 per cent votes, followed by Popular Front (25 per cent) and Macron’s Renaissance party (20 per cent).
(With inputs from agencies)