PARIS - Tens of thousands of people took part in the big annual pride march in Paris on Saturday (June 29), with LGBT rights groups saying they fear discrimination if a far-right government takes power following the country's election.

France heads to the polls on Sunday for the first round of a parliamentary election that opinion polls show could bring the far-right National Rally (RN) to power. The second round takes place on July 7.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin sent police and local authorities a letter on Friday calling for security reinforcements around LGBT events including Paris Pride, saying there has been an increase in discriminatory acts and "political and community antagonism" that could target such events.

Rights group Inter-LGBT and other rights groups called on people to march in numbers on Saturday to oppose far-right ideas and protect LGBTQIA+ rights.

The RN did not immediately reply to Reuters request for comment.

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