Crowds of protesters and revelers clashed with police in Paris on Sunday night, setting fires, hurling Molotov cocktails, and throwing rocks as the results of the French parliamentary elections poured in. The unrest erupted after it became clear that a far-left political coalition had won a plurality of parliamentary seats, toppling the centrist coalition of President Emmanuel Macron.
As the results of the French parliamentary elections trickled in on Sunday evening, a wave of pandemonium swept through the streets of Paris. Protesters and revelers flooded the city's thoroughfares, igniting bonfires, hurling Molotov cocktails, and clashing with police in riot gear.
Paris Riots Erupt as Left-Wing Coalition Nabs Plurality of Parliamentary Seats
The unrest erupted after the left-wing coalition, known as the Popular Front, emerged as the largest bloc in the National Assembly, with a stunning 170 seats. The coalition, which includes the Socialist Party, the French Communist Party, the Green Party, and France Unbowed, had been formed just a week before the snap elections were called.
The Popular Front's victory marked a major upset for Macron's centrist coalition, which had been widely expected to retain a majority in the assembly. The coalition's unexpected gains were attributed to a surge in support for left-wing candidates, who promised to roll back Macron's austerity measures and address the widening gap between rich and poor in France.
Paris Riots Erupt as Left-Wing Coalition Nabs Plurality of Parliamentary Seats
The celebrations turned violent as crowds of protesters descended on the Place de la République, one of Paris's central squares. Protesters set fire to dumpsters and cars, hurled rocks at police, and chanted slogans against Macron and the government. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons, attempting to disperse the unruly mob.
Social media footage captured scenes of chaos and destruction, with massive bonfires blazing in the streets and protesters clashing with police in riot gear. Some videos showed protesters throwing Molotov cocktails at police vehicles and buildings, setting off deafening explosions.
Paris Riots Erupt as Left-Wing Coalition Nabs Plurality of Parliamentary Seats
The clashes continued into the early hours of Monday morning, as police struggled to contain the unrest. Several arrests were made, and there were reports of injuries on both sides. The government condemned the violence, calling it an unacceptable attack on democracy and the rule of law.
The victory of the Popular Front has thrown French politics into turmoil, raising questions about the future of Macron's presidency. The coalition has pledged to roll back a number of Macron's policies, including his controversial pension reforms, and to implement a series of progressive measures, such as raising the minimum wage and establishing a "right to retire" at 60 years old.
Paris Riots Erupt as Left-Wing Coalition Nabs Plurality of Parliamentary Seats
The government has vowed to resist the coalition's demands, setting the stage for a potentially lengthy standoff between the executive and the legislature. The outcome of this standoff will have a profound impact on the future of French politics and the country's economic and social policies.
