Zürcher Nachrichten - Le Pen begins presidential campaign after violent protests across France

Marine Le Pen was set to deliver the first speech of her presidential campaign in Orleans on Sunday, six months before France’s election and one day after nationwide protests again ended in violence. The far-right candidate is widely regarded as a leading contender to succeed President Emmanuel Macron.

More than 400,000 people marched in French cities on Saturday against the rising cost of living. During the demonstrations, masked groups broke away from the crowds and confronted police, who used tear gas and water cannon. Authorities made more than 1,000 arrests.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said officers had encountered an extremely high level of violence from black-clad ultra-left extremists. The unrest followed four weeks of student demonstrations over classroom conditions and access to university places.

Le Pen was due to speak to about 10,000 members of her National Rally party in Orleans. She has accused Macron’s centrist government of failing to exert authority and of responding too weakly to violent demonstrators.

The city also hosted a large counter-demonstration on Saturday against the anti-immigration, nationalist party. Police put attendance at 13,000, while organisers said the crowd was twice that size.

Le Pen has promised measures aimed at reducing household costs if she wins the two-round presidential election in April and May. Her proposals include capping household energy bills, cutting taxes and lowering France’s contribution to the European Union.

She has also criticised NATO and French support for Ukraine. The National Rally has presented itself as the party of law and order during the unrest and has strongly supported the police.

Party leader Jordan Bardella, whom Le Pen plans to appoint as prime minister if elected, has visited police stations during the period of protests. The continuing demonstrations have placed public order and living costs at the centre of the early campaign.

D.Graf--NZN