Candidates in France are facing attacks on the campaign trail ahead of the parliamentary elections, with reports of both hate speech and physical violence. The French interior minister announced that 30,000 police officers will be deployed on voting day, with concerns over tensions as left-wing and moderate groups aim to prevent the nationalist National Rally from winning a majority.
These attacks have targeted candidates from various political parties, including government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot, who was attacked while putting up election posters near Paris. The motive for the attack is under investigation, and four people are in custody. Other candidates, including Marie Dauchy of the National Rally and Nicolas Conquer of The Republicans, have also reported being assaulted while campaigning.
The rise of anti-immigration sentiment has led to an increase in racist, xenophobic, and antisemitic language being used in public, with concerns that the surge in support for the National Rally has emboldened individuals to express such views. This has led to calls for action against hate speech and violence, with groups like SOS Racisme filing legal complaints and organizing protests.
French politicians have condemned the attacks, with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal urging people to reject the climate of violence and hatred. As the elections approach, there is fear that a National Rally victory could lead to further division and discrimination in the country.
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