02:53A huge law enforcement presence was seen in Nantes, as activists clashed with riot police at the conclusion of the second round of the French elections on Sunday - which saw the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance top the polls but fall short of a majority in parliament.
Footage shows people throwing fireworks as well as police officers with batons and headgear running towards the crowds. Tear gas was also seen rising. Crowds are shown cheering the results.
"Enjoy this evening, we keep the hope, we always keep the resistance," one activist can be seen telling NFP supporters.
Exit polls projected the NFP alliance on 177-192 seats, with President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Ensemble coalition in second with 152-58 and the anti-immigration National Rally (RN) in third place on 138-145. A majority requires 289 seats.
"We consider that the fight is far from over," said Martine Ritz from the CGT union. "The CGT has always said that the New Popular Front would not have a blank cheque, so we will need real changes from the Left and that, if they govern, we will need to see the changes. If we don't see it, we will be there to remind them that it is not acceptable."
Jean Brunacci, an activist, added that they needed to be 'vigilant' to ensure that the first-placed organisation really did get to govern.
RN topped the polls in the first round, but in the second, candidates frequently stand down to maximise the chances for allies. NFP issued instructions for third-placed candidates to withdraw in favour of Macron's centrists, with the president also called for a 'no vote for RN' - leading to some anger even within his own party about a perceived 'deal'.
RN leader Jordan Bardella called it an 'alliance of dishonour'.
Macron called the snap legislative vote following huge losses in the EU Parliament elections, which also saw a surge for RN. The domestic election had not been expected until 2027.
Across the EU bloc, conservative, nationalist and anti-immigration groups also made large gains in the EU-wide vote. Many called for a focus on domestic priorities amid the soaring cost of living, as well as lower taxes, better border security and an end to foreign military interventions, such as in Ukraine.
France's election was held over two rounds, on June 30 and July 7, to elect all 577 members of the National Assembly. Macron has not held a majority in parliament since 2022 and has used executive powers to pass legislation like his pension reforms, which have seen huge protests.
Heavy police presence in Nantes as thousands take to streets after second round of French legislative elections
A huge law enforcement presence was seen in Nantes, as activists clashed with riot police at the conclusion of the second round of the French elections on Sunday - which saw the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance top the polls but fall short of a majority in parliament.
Footage shows people throwing fireworks as well as police officers with batons and headgear running towards the crowds. Tear gas was also seen rising. Crowds are shown cheering the results.
"Enjoy this evening, we keep the hope, we always keep the resistance," one activist can be seen telling NFP supporters.
Exit polls projected the NFP alliance on 177-192 seats, with President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Ensemble coalition in second with 152-58 and the anti-immigration National Rally (RN) in third place on 138-145. A majority requires 289 seats.
"We consider that the fight is far from over," said Martine Ritz from the CGT union. "The CGT has always said that the New Popular Front would not have a blank cheque, so we will need real changes from the Left and that, if they govern, we will need to see the changes. If we don't see it, we will be there to remind them that it is not acceptable."
Jean Brunacci, an activist, added that they needed to be 'vigilant' to ensure that the first-placed organisation really did get to govern.
RN topped the polls in the first round, but in the second, candidates frequently stand down to maximise the chances for allies. NFP issued instructions for third-placed candidates to withdraw in favour of Macron's centrists, with the president also called for a 'no vote for RN' - leading to some anger even within his own party about a perceived 'deal'.
RN leader Jordan Bardella called it an 'alliance of dishonour'.
Macron called the snap legislative vote following huge losses in the EU Parliament elections, which also saw a surge for RN. The domestic election had not been expected until 2027.
Across the EU bloc, conservative, nationalist and anti-immigration groups also made large gains in the EU-wide vote. Many called for a focus on domestic priorities amid the soaring cost of living, as well as lower taxes, better border security and an end to foreign military interventions, such as in Ukraine.
France's election was held over two rounds, on June 30 and July 7, to elect all 577 members of the National Assembly. Macron has not held a majority in parliament since 2022 and has used executive powers to pass legislation like his pension reforms, which have seen huge protests.
A huge law enforcement presence was seen in Nantes, as activists clashed with riot police at the conclusion of the second round of the French elections on Sunday - which saw the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance top the polls but fall short of a majority in parliament.
Footage shows people throwing fireworks as well as police officers with batons and headgear running towards the crowds. Tear gas was also seen rising. Crowds are shown cheering the results.
"Enjoy this evening, we keep the hope, we always keep the resistance," one activist can be seen telling NFP supporters.
Exit polls projected the NFP alliance on 177-192 seats, with President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Ensemble coalition in second with 152-58 and the anti-immigration National Rally (RN) in third place on 138-145. A majority requires 289 seats.
"We consider that the fight is far from over," said Martine Ritz from the CGT union. "The CGT has always said that the New Popular Front would not have a blank cheque, so we will need real changes from the Left and that, if they govern, we will need to see the changes. If we don't see it, we will be there to remind them that it is not acceptable."
Jean Brunacci, an activist, added that they needed to be 'vigilant' to ensure that the first-placed organisation really did get to govern.
RN topped the polls in the first round, but in the second, candidates frequently stand down to maximise the chances for allies. NFP issued instructions for third-placed candidates to withdraw in favour of Macron's centrists, with the president also called for a 'no vote for RN' - leading to some anger even within his own party about a perceived 'deal'.
RN leader Jordan Bardella called it an 'alliance of dishonour'.
Macron called the snap legislative vote following huge losses in the EU Parliament elections, which also saw a surge for RN. The domestic election had not been expected until 2027.
Across the EU bloc, conservative, nationalist and anti-immigration groups also made large gains in the EU-wide vote. Many called for a focus on domestic priorities amid the soaring cost of living, as well as lower taxes, better border security and an end to foreign military interventions, such as in Ukraine.
France's election was held over two rounds, on June 30 and July 7, to elect all 577 members of the National Assembly. Macron has not held a majority in parliament since 2022 and has used executive powers to pass legislation like his pension reforms, which have seen huge protests.