France on edge as voters decide
Presidential polls to take place under heightened security after lone-wolf terror attack in Paris.
PARIS: France was on edge on the eve of its most unpredictable presidential election in decades, which will take place under heightened security after the terror killing of a policeman.
The Islamic State-claimed slaying of the officer on Paris’ ChampsElysees avenue thrust questions of security to the fore of campaigning after nine months of relative calm.
Analysts say Thursday’s attack could shake up the four-way contest between far-right leader Marine Le Pen, centrist Emmanuel Macron, conservative Francois Fillon and Communist-backed firebrand JeanLuc Melenchon.
The top two vote getters in today’s poll will head to a run-off on May 7.
Authorities in Paris have offered additional guards for hundreds of polling stations in the capital, which will come on top of a major security plan across the country.
“An extra guard or reinforcement of staff will be provided to any polling station that needs it,” Paris town hall official Colombe Brossel said.
Around 50,000 police and 7,000 soldiers will be deployed to protect voters across France.
Until now, surveys showed the French to be more concerned about jobs and the economy than terrorism or security, though analysts warned Thursday’s shooting could change that.
A note praising IS was found next to the body of 39-year-old gunman Karim Cheurfi, who shot dead an officer and wounded two others before being killed in a firefight that sent tourists on the Champs-Elysees rushing for cover.
Le Pen has moved quickly to present herself as the strongest defender against extremists in a country scarred by attacks that have claimed 239 lives since 2015. — AFP