The anti-immigration National Rally party, which has tried to shed historical links to antisemitism, is leading in pre-election polling and has its first real chance of forming a government if it comes out on top of the two-round elections that end on 7 July.
It would be the first far-right force to lead a French government since the Nazi occupation. Far-left figures, meanwhile, have faced accusations of antisemitism linked to their response to Hamas’s 7 October attack on Israel and the ensuing war.
Concerns came to the fore after two adolescent boys in a Paris suburb were charged this week with raping a 12-year-old girl and religiously-motivated violence, according to prosecutors. Lawyer and Jewish leader Elie Korchia told French broadcaster BFM that the girl is Jewish and that the word “Palestine” was mentioned during the attack.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Netanyahu's actions suggest he isn't interested in peace
One year on from the invasion led by Hamas terrorists that has been called the greatest trauma in Israel's history, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, Benjamin Netanyahu's government claims sudden success.
Nketiah has big aspirations back home in south London
Eberechi Eze ambles over to take the free-kick and as he does so, Eddie Nketiah scans his surroundings.
New case could transform transfer market like Bosman
Lassana Diarra is arguing Fifa rules breach EU labour laws
Carsley envisages 'creative' plan to combine star trio
England boss wants to play Palmer, Foden and Bellingham
Maguire salvages point for United in Portugese thriller
Super sub Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header saved Manchester United’s blushes and potentially Erik ten Hag’s job as the Europa League clash with Porto ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
There is a big if when it comes to interest rate cuts...
Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, said in an interview that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) could be \"a bit more activist\" in bringing rates down.
Delhi police seize record cocaine haul worth £640m
Delhi police have seized over 560kg of cocaine worth more than 65 billion rupees 643m) on the international market.
CIA reaches out to recruit agents in despotic regimes
The US Central Intelligence Agency has launched a new drive to hire potential spies in China, Iran and North Korea after a similar successful campaign to recruit Russians.
Nato chief visits Kyiv amid major Russian drone attack
Russian forces have launched a major drone attack on 15 Ukrainian regions, causing damage to energy infrastructure, residential buildings and schools.
Can war in the Middle East be won by military might?
Mike Crofts examines the balance of power across the region