Left-Wing Coalition Surges in French Snap Election, Prompting Nationwide Unrest

Violent clashes erupted throughout France following an unexpected exit poll indicating a lead for a left-wing coalition in the snap election, dealing a significant setback to Marine Le Pen‘s aspirations of establishing France’s first hard-right government post-war, as reported by Fox News.

Masked demonstrators were seen running through the streets, setting off flares, and causing disruptions, triggering the deployment of riot police nationwide.

The atmosphere on French election night quickly turned tumultuous as results unveiled the left-wing coalition’s advantage in securing the majority of parliamentary seats, leading to both celebrations and unrest in various parts of Paris, Fox News highlighted.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal tendered his resignation after a far-left political alliance surged ahead unexpectedly in the snap elections, leaving conservatives in shock by the turn of events, especially as Marine Le Pen’s National Rally fell short of its projected outcomes, as per Fox News reports.

Thousands gathered at Paris’s iconic Place de la Republique to jubilate the news, underscoring the widespread support for the coalition over Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron‘s centrist bloc, which managed to secure the second position.

Social media was abuzz with footage of fiery scenes in the streets of Paris, with riot police in gear handling the crowds and employing tear gas amidst clashes, with protesters reportedly hurling Molotov cocktails and triggering smoke bombs.

The victorious left-wing coalition, recognized as the Popular Front, includes France’s Socialist Party, the French Communist Party, the Ecologists, and France Unbowed, with a platform that aims to revoke Macron’s pension reforms, advocate for a retirement age of 60, and introduce plans to boost public sector wages, reinstate a wealth tax, and raise France’s minimum wage.

The election’s outcome marked a significant shift in French politics, with the National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, making notable gains despite initial high expectations and criticism of Macron’s administration for allegedly leading France into uncertainty and instability, Fox News detailed.

President Emmanuel Macron, as per a statement from Elysee Palace, is set to await further developments before deciding on a new government following the announcement of the preliminary results of the second round of parliamentary elections.

In Paris, the revelation that the left-wing NFP was on track to surpass RN sparked joy among supporters, signaling a reversal from RN’s initial lead after the first round of elections, with Parisians flooding the streets, waving signs and cheering as the outcome was confirmed at 8 pm local time.

Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, relief was palpable as flares illuminated the sky and chants of ‘everyone hates fascists’ resonated through the crowd, encapsulating the sentiment of the moment.

Initial projections were disclosed at 8 PM Paris time (1800 GMT), with official results expected to be released between late Sunday and Monday.