French streets erupt as leftist NFP wins but lacks a clear majority
Worrying scenes in France as tensions arose in Paris, leading to clashes with the police. Photos and videos appeared on social media.
5:49 AM EDT, July 8, 2024
The alliance of leftist parties, New People's Front (NFP), won the second round of parliamentary elections in France on Sunday but did not obtain an absolute majority, according to exit polls. Even before the polling stations closed, police forces were deployed on the streets of Paris to quell any potential demonstrations.
Euphoria erupted in République Square in Paris right after the first exit poll results of the second round of the election were announced. People hugged, applauded, and cried as they celebrated Marine Le Pen's National Rally's defeat and the leftist New People's Front's victory.
Even before midnight (6 PM Eastern Time), tensions in Paris escalated. Clashes broke out between supporters of the far-right and the left. The police intervened.
French elections
The alliance of leftist parties, New People's Front (NFP), won the second round of parliamentary elections in France on Sunday, securing between 181 and 215 votes, according to exit polls. However, it did not obtain an absolute majority in the National Assembly.
According to forecasts provided by TF1 television, President Emmanuel Macron's political camp is in second place and expected to secure between 150 and 180 seats. The far-right National Rally received 120-150 seats in parliament.
