Central Paris descended into chaos last night as furious protesters clashed with riot police, setting fires and unleashing violence in a dramatic response to the surging far-right.
The iconic Place de la République, a traditional hub for public demonstration, became a battleground after the left-wing New Popular Front coalition called for mass rallies against the National Rally's shock victory in the first round of snap parliamentary elections.
Footage from the scene captures the sheer intensity of the unrest, with violent mobs hurling projectiles at fortified lines of police officers. The acrid smell of smoke filled the air as demonstrators set alight makeshift barricades, garbage bins, and even a newspaper kiosk, casting an ominous glow over the historic square.
A City on Edge
Riot police, armed with shields and batons, responded with volleys of tear gas in a desperate attempt to disperse the crowds and regain control of the streets. The sound of explosions from stun grenades echoed between buildings, adding to the sense of bedlam.
The protests were sparked by a seismic shift in French politics. Marine Le Pen's anti-immigration National Rally (Rassemblement National) party emerged dominant from the first round of voting, putting them within reach of forming France's first far-right government since the Second World War.
The Political Powder Keg
This electoral success has acted as a catalyst for deep-seated fear and anger among left-wing and liberal factions across the nation. Protesters are vehemently opposing the party's nationalist and anti-immigrant policies, which they believe threaten the core republican values of France.
The explosive reaction in the capital underscores the profound divisions within French society and sets a tense stage for the decisive second round of voting next Sunday. The outcome will not only determine the composition of the National Assembly but could also redefine the future trajectory of one of Europe's leading powers.
Authorities are now bracing for further instability as the nation awaits the final poll results, with many fearing the violence in Paris could be a precursor to a prolonged period of civil unrest.
