Protests have erupted in Paris ahead of presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen’s campaign rally in the city. Several smoke grenades have been thrown at French riot police officers, with reports of tear gas being fired in return.
Dozens of anti-National Front protesters have gathered at the Zenith concert hall in north-east Paris on Monday, April 17, the same day far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is expected to hold a presidential campaign rally.
The first round of presidential elections in France are scheduled for Sunday. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen and and centrist Emmanuel Macron are expected to qualify for the May 7 run-off, according to the polls. However, conservative Francois Fillon and far-leftist Jean-Luc Melenchon have been narrowing the gap as well.