The Foreign Office has warned UK tourists over a spate of assaults in France. It comes after French government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot was assaulted while on the campaign trail ahead of the impending election in the European Union nation.
Ms Thevenot, who is standing as a candidate for Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance Ensemble, was putting up electoral posters near Paris with her deputy and a party activist when they were attacked by a group, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal revealed on social media platform X.
The Foreign Office advice says: “Demonstrations, political gatherings, or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities. Follow the advice of police and local authorities. While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of unrest or violence. If you’re near areas where demonstrations are taking place, stay aware of your surroundings and move away if there are signs of disorder.”
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“Elections taking place in France on Sunday 7 July could make demonstrations more likely,” it warned. Yesterday at 6pm, candidates in France faced a deadline to register for Sunday’s second round of legislative elections. Amid pressure for a republican front to limit the success of the far right, many candidates candidates withdrew for races.
According to Le Monde’s latest count this morning, 221 candidates have withdrawn from races since Sunday’s first round of elections. By this morning, according to the newspaper, 94 three-way races are still expected to take place, and one four-way race.
Mr Attal, the prime minister, has said that nationwide efforts to prevent Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) winning an outright majority in parliament could succeed. “We can avoid an absolute majority for the far right,” he said.
François Hollande, a former French president from the socialist party, has said that the New Popular Front has allowed to “rebalance” the left.