Le Pen could win poll votes in backlash against immigrants
THE terror attack could boost far-right candidate Marine Le Pen’s chances in the presidential elections, a security expert has warned.
The two top finishers in Sunday’s first round advance to a winner-takes-all run-off on May 7.
Security expert Will Geddes warned the killing of a police officer will lead to immigrants, Muslims and minorities being held accountable – pushing them further into Isis’s arms.
Also, millions of French voters could now back Le Pen.
Geddes said a “combative” approach by a Le Pen government could backfire. He reckons the French need to appeal to Muslim communities to “weed out the bad apples”.
Geddes added: “The fact that it specifically targeted the police was a statement against the government.
“If Le Pen gets in, it will make immigrants, Muslims and minorities feel like victims. They will be scrutinised and made to feel to blame.
“You have to appeal to these communities. Bring people onside with a universal interest of weeding out the bad apples. Le Pen is very anti-immigrant and the attacks will drive people far more to a far-right agenda.
“The prevailing paranoia might push people towards a more intolerant government like Le Pen. It’s like the Trump scenario – offering to build a wall and targeting immigrants.”