It’s true that French politics can be divisive, but the confusion of Intelligence and political activity has included many beyond the racism or xenophobia of large crowds on either side of protests.
In one example, a group called “The Next” formed out of criminal circles, made up of corrupt Intelligence officials and bent protest activists. They pursued a relentless campaign of open hatred.
It was led by agitators. They used interference-based techniques and hardcore “Jail Break” illegal acts to attack people. It was done with force, to cause confusion and widespread social breakdown.
The motive was not clear until a French academic discovered intent to steal the profits of Journalism. It made sense as victims also reported a sudden loss of interest in their usual news outlets there.
The hostile feeling created by unrelenting political warfare is debilitating for many more people in society besides politicians. The utility it has for criminals is also a serious issue at the level of a threat even to national security.