French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin warned on Friday of possible unrest in France after the upcoming parliamentary elections.
“On the evening of the first round and undoubtedly also on the evening of the second round, when the final results are announced, the far left and the far right can take advantage of this to sow chaos,” the minister told broadcaster France Info.
He responded to questions from the broadcaster based on a ten-page memo he had obtained and which his ministry had distributed to police prefects.
Darmanin highlighted in the document a “context shaped by various security risks” and concerns about “targeted destabilizing actions.”
The French parliamentary elections will be held in two rounds, on Sunday and July 7.
French President Emmanuel Macron called early elections for the National Assembly early this month in response to the defeat of his liberal forces in the European elections and the resounding victory of right-wing nationalists.
In the interview with France Info, Darmanin also warned of “extremely serious unrest” after the political summer break from September, if the far right or far left came to power.
If either camp implements its economic plans, France could face pressure on financial markets, he said.
In France, autumn is traditionally a time when unions hold rallies to voice social demands or protest government plans, which can lead to further tensions.
