French election outcome ignites riots
(MENAFN) In a tumultuous aftermath of France's recent parliamentary election, widespread riots and looting spread throughout major cities as supporters of the left-wing New Popular Front coalition took to the streets to celebrate their victory over both the right-wing National Rally and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist allies.
The unrest, which began shortly after early election results were announced on Sunday night, saw over 30,000 riot Police deployed across the country, with a significant presence in Paris where 5,000 officers were stationed to preemptively manage anticipated disturbances.
Chaos erupted particularly at a New Popular Front rally in downtown Paris, quickly spreading to cities like Nantes, Lyon, Marseille, and Rennes. In Paris's Republic Square, jubilant crowds set off fireworks and chanted slogans against the National Rally, amid escalating tensions. Police efforts to control the situation with tear gas were met with resistance as a masked group clashed with law enforcement, throwing Molotov cocktails and creating makeshift barricades.
Videos circulated online showed police charging into the square to regain control, while multiple fire brigades were called in to manage the aftermath. Despite precautionary measures such as reinforcing storefronts with wooden panels, reports of looting and vandalism in Paris underscored the intensity of the protests.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who called for a snap parliamentary election following the National Rally's strong performance in the European Union parliamentary vote, now faces heightened challenges in navigating the volatile political landscape amidst widespread discontent and civil unrest.
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