Protests swept through Paris as Emmanuel Macron suffered a defeat by Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) in the first round of parliamentary elections. Macron and his allies launched into a renewed week of campaigning shortly after their party faced humiliation with the RN securing 33% of the initial vote.
Last night, rioting gripped Paris as thousands of angered left-wing voters lit fires to rubbish bins, vandalized shop windows, and launched fireworks following the RN's victory. Riot police were deployed extensively, especially at Place de la République, where they clashed with rioters carrying flares well into the early hours of the next morning.
Earlier this month, Macron's decision to call snap polls after his centrist forces were defeated in European Parliament elections, was intended to stabilize amid turmoil and possibly catch the RN off-guard, according to some analysts. However, the move appears to have backfired.
Many French voters are frustrated with inflation, economic concerns, and Macron's perceived arrogant and out-of-touch leadership.
The National Rally has capitalized on this discontent, particularly through online platforms like TikTok, and unveiled populist policies aimed at rejuvenating the French economy and tightening immigration controls.
Following yesterday's first round of voting, polling agencies predict the RN could secure a majority of seats in the 577-seat National Assembly after the upcoming second round on Sunday. Whether they can reach the 289 seats required for an absolute majority remains uncertain.
The RN's success in the first round has sparked widespread discontent among left-leaning voters. Protesters in Place de la République overturned barricades, defaced the iconic Marianne statue, and ignited bins, prompting a robust response from armoured police using batons and tear gas. Firefighters were called in to extinguish the fires set by demonstrators.
The outcome of the second round will determine whether Macron's party can recover ground or if the RN's rise will continue to reshape France's political landscape.
