In the final stretch leading up to France's critical parliamentary elections this Sunday, several candidates have reported being subjected to attacks on the campaign trail. Tensions are running high as left-wing and moderate groups seek to prevent the anti-immigration, nationalist National Rally from securing an absolute legislative majority, which would mark a significant historical shift for France.

Government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot, who is also a candidate for the centrist Ensemble alliance led by President Emmanuel Macron, was among those targeted. On Wednesday night, Thevenot, accompanied by a deputy and a party activist, was assaulted while putting up election posters in Meudon near Paris. Thevenot's deputy and the party activist were hospitalized following the incident.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the assault, classifying it as a gang assault with a weapon against a public official. Four individuals, including three minors, have been taken into custody in connection with the attack.

The attack on Thevenot underscores the rising tensions surrounding the campaign, with candidates from various parties reporting instances of hate speech and physical violence. Marie Dauchy, a candidate for the National Rally in Savoy, was assaulted at a food market while campaigning and subsequently announced her withdrawal from the race. Marine Le Pen, the party's leader, condemned the assault as "cowardly." Meanwhile, Nicolas Conquer, a candidate for The Republicans, disclosed through social media that he was assaulted while distributing election flyers in Cherbourg. He reported the incident to the police, stating that he was accompanied by a minor at the time.

In another disturbing incident, 77-year-old local official Bernard Dupre was attacked while hanging campaign posters for former Health Minister Olivier Veran in the Alps. Graphic images of Dupre's bloodied eye were broadcast by French media.

Politicians from all sides have condemned the attacks on candidates from various parties. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal urged the rejection of the prevailing climate of violence and hatred, while Le Pen expressed her dismay with the situation in a TV interview.

The rise in voter support for the National Rally, known for its fierce anti-immigration stance, has prompted concerns about the increased prevalence of racist, xenophobic, and antisemitic language in public. A candidate campaigning for Macron's camp in the outskirts of Paris was provided with private security guards after being targeted with antisemitic abuse. Additionally, pamphlets containing racist content were distributed in the Paris suburb of Chatou, prompting activist group SOS Racisme to file a complaint for inciting hatred. The organization has noted a rise in reports of racist comments and acts throughout France during the campaign.

Fadila Khattabi, the minister for people with disabilities and the daughter of Algerian immigrants, tearfully shared a personal story at a ministerial meeting, expressing her fear of racist speech, especially considering her origins. She revealed that her son, a symbol of republican success as a child of immigration who became a pharmacist, now wants to leave France due to the fear of a National Rally victory.

As tensions escalate, a group called the Antifascist Action Paris-Suburbs has called for a protest outside the National Assembly on Sunday night, coinciding with the announcement of election results. The aim is to stand up against the far right. Marine Le Pen has publicly denounced the call.

These elections come following Macron's decision to call for a surprise legislative election on June 9 after his centrist alliance suffered a significant defeat by the National Rally in the European Parliament voting, causing a sudden and chaotic legislative campaign. To ensure security on voting day, the French Interior Minister has announced that 30,000 police officers will be deployed, with 5,000 stationed in the Paris region.

The outcome of the parliamentary elections on Sunday will have far-reaching implications for the political landscape of France, making the campaign period all the more intense and polarizing.