Just Hours Before Islamist Truck Terror, Hollande said Populism Is the Real Threat

Just hours before a truck driver reportedly shouting “Allahu Akhbar” mowed crowds down, killing 84, President Hollande warned it is right-wing populism that threatens France most.

In the interview yesterday, which traditionally takes place annually on July 14, Mr Hollande touched upon the threat of terrorism in France, which has seen several major Islamist attacks in less than two years. The French president took a swipe at Front National voters during the interview as well as underlining that populism is perhaps the primary danger facing the country.

The Socialist head of state said the state of emergency imposed after horrific terror attacks last November would not be extended beyond July 26. After last night’s attack, however, Prime Minister Valls confirmed today that Parliament will next week vote to extend it. Under a state of emergency, police are given additional powers.

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