Increase in violence against candidates in French legislative elections

More than 30 arrests made following attacks during election campaign

More than 50 cases of violence against candidates and activists have been recorded since the start of the French legislative campaign.

The escalation of violence has already led to more than 30 arrests – with more expected in the coming days – for incidents of verbal and physical violence.

The attacks come from “extremely varied profiles” and groups from all political backgrounds, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said. BFMTVwithout targeting any particular political party or point of view.

“(The attackers) are either people who are spontaneously angry, which shows that France is on edge, or political activists or members of the far left or far right of other political parties,” he added.

A high-profile case occurred earlier in the week, when government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot was attacked by youths on scooters while she was putting up campaign posters in Meudon (Hauts-de-Seine).

While Ms Thévenot was unharmed, another activist was seriously injured and taken to hospital.

At the start of the election campaign, a National Rally The candidate was hospitalized after being attacked in Saint-Étienne (Loire).

Activists from the New Popular Front (left) were also attacked, Mr Darmanin said.

30,000 police officers will be deployed on Sunday evening after the vote to try to calm any unrest linked to the results.

Read also: 30,000 French police officers deployed Sunday amid fears of riots over election results

The minister had predicted earlier in the campaign that “civil unrest” could hit France in the fall, when policies from the newly elected chamber could begin to be adopted, depending on the country’s political makeup. National Assembly following this Sunday’s vote.