Crowd demonstrations in France against radical, far-right extremists
Far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) led by Marine Le Pen could potentially seize power in France's upcoming Parliament elections in July. This prospect has sparked widespread outrage among many French citizens who are determined to thwart it. Hordes of people have hit the streets in demonstrations against the RN across the country.
Reports suggest that around 650,000 people participated in these protests, with 250,000 in Paris alone. However, the police estimate a total of 217,000 participants. Unions, student organizations, and human rights groups were among the key organizers of these protests. Some reports indicate minor incidents of property damage and clashes with law enforcement at the periphery of certain demonstrations. Similar protests are planned for this Sunday.
The protesters are concerns that RN may emerge victorious in the anticipated parliamentary election towards the end of the month, and assuming power. Jordan Bardella, the RN's chair, should not become the next Prime Minister, according to Sophie Binet, the CGT chief, during the rally at Place de la République, asserting, "We aim to prevent this catastrophe."
As per the latest polls, RN is slightly ahead of the People's Front, a coalition of leftist parties. According to a survey published in "Le Point," RN wins 29.5% of the votes, while the People's Front takes 28.5%. The Macron-led coalition lags significantly behind at 18%.
Following a clear defeat against RN in the European Parliament election, President Macron called for the dissolution of the National Assembly and ordered advanced parliamentary elections. These elections are set for June 30 and July 7. Given France's majority electoral system, only the candidate from a constituency who receives the most votes in the second round of voting enters parliament. The impressive showing of RN in the European elections does not necessarily translate to the parliamentary elections.
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- The Rassemblement National (RN), with Marine Le Pen as its leader, has gained traction as a significant force in French politics, posing a threat in the upcoming right-wing extremist-filled Elections in July.
- The issue of RN's potential power grab in the French Parliament elections has ignited nationwide protests, with thousands rallying in Paris against right-wing populism and the party's potential influence.
- Emmanuel Macron, the incumbent President of France, has reacted to the rising influence of the RN by calling for early Parliamentary elections in response to their defeat in the European Parliament election.
- The recent surge in support for RN, led by Jordan Bardella, has raised concerns among French citizens and political leaders like Sophie Binet, who vowed to prevent their emergence as a ruling party, stating, "We aim to prevent this catastrophe."
