People are also attacking politicians in France
In Germany, there have been numerous attacks on politicians before the European election causing a stir. The situation is similar in neighboring France, where the second round of parliamentary elections is taking place. In some cases, minors have even been suspected.
Candidates in the French election campaign have reported physical attacks. The Interior Ministry has registered 51 physical and verbal assaults on candidates for the 577 seats in the National Assembly, according to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin in an interview with BFM. At least 30 suspects, "with very different backgrounds," have been arrested.
Government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot, who is running for President Emmanuel Macron's Alliance Ensemble, reported that she was attacked while hanging up election posters in Meudon, near Paris. Two members of her team were taken to the hospital.
The prosecutor's office announced that they had launched an investigation into an attack on a civil servant with a weapon. No comments were made regarding the motive. Four people are in custody, including three minors. Thevenot announced on X that she would continue her campaigning. "Violence is never the answer," she added.
Attacks also against right-wing populists
Darmanin stated that the attacks had targeted candidates across the political spectrum. "Candidates from the National Rally (RN) were violently attacked...(just as) left-wing candidates," he said.
Tensions before the second round of parliamentary elections on Sunday are high. Left and liberal parties are trying to prevent the right-wing RN from achieving an absolute majority. The RN received the most votes in the first round.
Darmanin stated that 30,000 police officers would be deployed on Sunday, 5,000 of them in the Paris region. The result of the election must be accepted, regardless of the outcome. Protests in front of the Parliament building are banned.
In the context of the heightened tensions leading up to the second round of French parliamentary elections, political violence has become a significant issue. Several candidates, including those from the National Rally, have reported facing attacks, with Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirming assaults on candidates from various political spectra.
