France's Election Showdown: Tensions Rise Amid Allegations of Hate and Violence

France's legislative elections have been marred by hate speech, verbal abuse, and physical attacks. Officials reported 51 incidents against candidates and supporters, leading to heightened tensions. With the National Rally securing the most votes in the first round, the second round of voting is crucial. Police are on high alert to maintain order.

France's pivotal legislative elections have taken a darker turn, as candidates make their last push before the decisive second round of voting. The campaign has been marred by hate speech, verbal abuse, and physical attacks, leading to heightened tensions across the political landscape.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin reported 51 incidents of verbal and physical attacks against candidates and their supporters. Speaking with BFM, Darmanin emphasized that several assaults were 'extremely serious' and that 30 suspects with varied backgrounds have been arrested. This violence has been directed across the political spectrum, including against National Rally and left-wing candidates.

As France teeters on the edge of a notable political shift, with the National Rally aiming for an unprecedented legislative majority, the government is taking no chances. Darmanin announced the deployment of 30,000 police officers, including 5,000 in the Paris region, to ensure the electoral process's integrity. Meanwhile, calls for protest by groups like Antifascist Action Paris-Suburbs underscore the deepening divisions. Concerns are growing that the National Rally's rise is emboldening xenophobic and antisemitic rhetoric, casting a shadow over the election's outcome.

(Disclaimer: With inputs from agencies.)