Rising Political Violence in France as Police Chief Assaulted Amid Far-Right Tensions

France is witnessing an alarming increase in political violence, highlighted by a recent attack on a municipal police chief in Auxonne, Côte-d’Or, and the broader societal tensions linked to the far-right's growing influence.

On February 17, the police chief was violently assaulted outside his home, resulting in injuries that rendered him unfit for work for over eight days. An investigation into aggravated violence has been launched by the Dijon prosecutor's office, with the Dijon gendarmerie research brigade leading the case. Mayor Jacques-François Coiquil condemned the attack on social media, emphasizing that the officer was targeted solely for serving the community while dressed in uniform. The mayor denounced the assault as an affront to the Republic and their commune of 7,500 people. During the incident, threats were also reportedly made against the mayor himself. Local political leaders, including opposition figure Fabrice Vauchey, expressed unanimous support for the police chief and condemned the violence, urging unity against such acts.

Historian Marc Lazar contextualized this violence within the broader political climate, noting that escalating polarization and the rise of the far-right, including the threat of the National Rally (RN) attaining power, have intensified the atmosphere. Lazar pointed to recent unrest, such as the death of activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon, as symbols of this mounting tension which could provoke physical confrontations between militant groups.

The convergence of targeted attacks on public officials and scholarly analysis underscores a growing concern over political stability in France. The unified political condemnation amidst these events highlights the urgent need for collective resistance against violence fueled by extremist factions.