Violence and clashes erupt in France due to surprise victory of Left-wing Party
- In Reports
- 09:24 PM, Jul 08, 2024
- Myind Staff
Serious riots and clashes erupted in Paris and other cities on 7th July following the second round of the French parliamentary elections, where initial projections indicated a surprise victory for the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP).
In Paris, thousands congregated at Place de la République in the city centre to celebrate the left-wing alliance's unexpected win in the snap election. Reports from media outlets indicated that some demonstrators clashed with police, prompting law enforcement to use tear gas to disperse crowds. Additionally, wooden barricades were set ablaze during the unrest.
On election day, many shops and banks in central Paris took precautions by securing their windows with wooden panels in anticipation of potential riots. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin had mobilised 30,000 officers across France for Sunday, with 5,000 deployed specifically in Paris and its suburbs to prevent clashes.
Clashes also occurred in the northern city of Lille, where far-left activists clashed with police, resulting in law enforcement's use of tear gas.
In Rennes, located in western France, media reports indicated that 25 people were arrested after riot police deployed tear gas to disperse a group of left-wing demonstrators chanting "Everyone hates the police".
In Nantes, as reported by local media, a police officer sustained injuries when he was targeted with a Molotov cocktail during the unrest. Demonstrators further escalated the situation by launching fireworks towards security forces. In response to these aggressive actions, the police deployed tear gas in an effort to control and disperse the crowd.
The incident underscores the volatile nature of the protests following the parliamentary elections, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public order amidst heightened tensions.
Image source: Anadolu
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