Thousands marched in Paris and other French cities on Saturday to protest against the far-right National Rally (RN) ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.

Following RN’s strong performance in the recent European elections, police anticipated 350,000 protesters and deployed 21,000 officers as labor unions, student groups, and rights organizations rallied against the anti-immigration, eurosceptic party.

At least 150 marches took place nationwide, including major turnouts in Marseille, Toulouse, Lyon, and Lille, Reuters has reported.

CGT union leader Sophie Binet voiced concerns over RN leader Jordan Bardella potentially becoming Prime Minister, calling it a disaster to be prevented.

Recent opinion polls indicate that the far-right National Rally (RN) could potentially win the upcoming parliamentary elections and form the next government.

An OpinionWay-Vae Solis poll for Les Echos and Radio Classique projected RN leading with 33% of the votes in the first round, followed by the Popular Front with 25%, and President Macron’s centrist camp at 20%.

Other polls suggest the left is trailing closely behind RN and ahead of Macron’s group.

Written by B.C. Begley