France’s government spokesperson is attacked on the campaign trail, days before decisive election

Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — Several candidates have reported being attacked on the campaign trail in the final stretch before a high-stakes French legislative election. They include French government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot, who was assaulted by a group of people on Wednesday evening while putting up election posters near Paris. Prosecutors said Thursday they have opened an investigation but provided no indication of the motivation for the attack. Candidates have complained of both verbal and physical violence in the torrid and polarizing campaign. Many have voiced concerns that the surge in voter support for the fiercely anti-immigration National Rally has made people feel more comfortable using racist, xenophobic and antisemitic language in public.