PARIS (AP) – Demonstrators in western France have tried to block buses carrying supporters of presidential candidate Marine Le Pen to a campaign rally.
The incident Sunday in the city of Nantes came after 11 police officers were injured Saturday in skirmishes with activists opposed to Le Pen’s appearance there. No injuries were reported from Sunday’s bus protest.
Sebastien Chenu of Le Pen’s National Front party said on BFM television that the protesters were “trying to stop us from delivering our message. We will not back down.”
Critics allege that Le Pen’s anti-immigration, anti-establishment campaign is a cover for a racist, anti-democratic worldview.
Recent polls suggest she could win the first round of the April-May election, but predict she would lose the ensuing runoff vote.