France suffered a major upset in its general election, with riots erupting as the far-right Rally National party was defeated in what was expected to be a landslide victory for the left-wing coalition.
Rioters throw flares on Sunday night (AFP via Getty Images)
Riots broke out in the streets of Paris, with rioters clashing with police as the results of France’s difficult election became clear.
As in the UK, French President Emmanuel Macron called surprise general elections ahead of the Olympics, sparking fierce political campaigning with his far-right National Rally party expected to win in a landslide victory.
But in the end, France’s left-wing coalition won the most seats in crucial parliamentary elections on Sunday, thwarting a far-right surge but falling short of a majority, leaving the country facing a hanging parliament and political paralysis.
And as the results of France’s most important election for years were announced, flares erupted and fires erupted across Paris, with videos shared on social media showing police charging into the flames as rioters hurled catapults.
Firefighters were seen extinguishing fires in Place de la Republique caused by crowds who were being pushed back by police in riot gear and with their faces covered. People were also seen climbing the beloved Marianne statue, a symbol of the French Republic and an embodiment of liberty, equality and fraternity.
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A protester holds an umbrella amid the smoke in Republic Square.
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Protesters hold a banner during the demonstration reading “The real barrier is the road”
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The general election was one of the most closely fought in recent years.
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Left-wing supporters celebrate by lighting red flares during rallies
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Masked rioters clash with riot police
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A man places uprooted plants on top of a pile of burning electric bikes
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The initially peaceful rally in Republic Square escalated into violence.
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Police blocked off trash-filled roads to Republic Square.
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Police used tear gas to quell the violence, which continued until 2 a.m.
(Anadolu via Getty Images)
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