Violence Surges in Final Days of French Legislative Campaign

In the tense lead-up to the high-stakes French legislative election on July 7, multiple candidates have reported being attacked on the campaign trail, including government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot. These incidents highlight the increasingly volatile political climate in France.

Prisca Thevenot, a candidate for the centrist Ensemble alliance led by French President Emmanuel Macron, was attacked on Wednesday night near Paris while putting up election posters. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal reported the incident on the social media platform X. Although Thevenot was not injured and continues to campaign, her deputy and a party activist were hospitalized due to the attack. Details of their injuries remain unclear.

The prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the assault, categorizing it as an attack with a weapon against a public official. Four individuals, including three minors, have been taken into custody.

The attack on Thevenot is not an isolated incident. On the same day, Marie Dauchy, a National Rally candidate in Savoy, was assaulted at a food market. Dauchy has since withdrawn from the race. National Rally leader Marine Le Pen condemned the attack, describing it as cowardly.

Similarly, Nicolas Conquer, a candidate for The Republicans, reported being assaulted while distributing election flyers in Cherbourg on July 2. He was with a minor during the incident and has since reported it to the police.

Prime Minister Attal and other politicians have condemned these attacks, calling for a rejection of the increasing climate of violence and hatred. “Violence is never the answer,” Thevenot stated on X, while Le Pen labeled the situation as deplorable, noting that several candidates have had to cease their campaigns due to threats and attacks.

Thevenot has expressed her anxiety as a person of color in the current political climate, highlighting the growing prevalence of racism. She shared her concerns with French broadcaster TF1, citing intensified and blatant racist attacks. Other candidates, including those from Macron’s camp, have also faced antisemitic abuse, prompting some to employ private security guards.

The surge in voter support for the fiercely anti-immigration National Rally has emboldened public displays of racist, xenophobic, and antisemitic language. Macron’s surprise call for a legislative election on June 9, following a defeat by the National Rally in European Parliament voting, has further intensified the campaign’s volatility.

The impact of this charged atmosphere is profound. Fadila Khattabi, Minister for People with Disabilities and daughter of Algerian immigrants, shared a personal story at a ministerial meeting at the Elysée Palace. She expressed fear of the growing racist rhetoric, revealing that her son, a successful pharmacist and symbol of republican success, is considering leaving France due to concerns over a potential National Rally victory.

As the July 7 legislative election approaches, the escalating violence against candidates underscores the urgent need for addressing the underlying tensions in French society. The incidents have cast a shadow over the democratic process, raising questions about the safety and integrity of the election.