In the evening of Sunday, June 30, protests erupted in Paris following the victory of the far-right party National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, in the first round of parliamentary elections, reports France 24.
Supporters of the New Popular Front, an alliance of left-wing political forces including French Socialists, Communists, Greens, and the party Unbowed France, gathered at Republic Square in the capital.
The rally was sparked by the second-place finish of the New Popular Front in the first round of parliamentary elections.
Mostly young demonstrators chanted slogans like "Fascists, get out!"
An 18-year-old protester expressed deep disappointment with the results and pledged to go door to door to persuade people to vote in the second round, otherwise, she feared living in a France that is not the France she hoped to live in.
Place de la République - 30 juin 2024#Election2024 pic.twitter.com/t4OKrwqST2
— Julie Dungelhoeff (@JDungelhoeff) June 30, 2024
Parliamentary elections in France
In early June, elections for the European Parliament took place across EU countries. President Emmanuel Macron's party suffered a defeat in France, receiving just over 15% of the vote. In contrast, the far-right party National Rally, led by pro-Russian Marine Le Pen, garnered more than 30%.
Following these results, Macron dissolved the French National Assembly and announced early parliamentary elections.
The first round of elections was held on Sunday, June 30. According to exit polls, the far-right party National Rally also emerged victorious in the first round.
For more on how the parliamentary elections in France will unfold and what to expect for Ukraine, read the article on RBC-Ukraine.