France: Post-election demonstrations May 8

Event

Demonstrations following Sunday's presidential election - won by centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron - are planned in Paris and other urban centers on Monday, May 8. In Paris, trade unions including the CGT, Sud, and Unef organized a rally at Place de la République beginning at 14:00 (local time). From there, participants planned to march to Place de la Bastille via Temple, Filles du Calvaire, and Beaumarchais boulevards. According to local media, several thousand people are taking part in the demonstration, which was organized to denounce the new administration's planned labor reforms. Similar demonstrations are likely in other urban centers, including Nantes, where a smaller protest was expected at Place du Bouffay.

Context

Demonstrations were reported in multiple cities across France on the evening of Sunday, May 7, in response to election results declaring Emmanuel Macron the next president of France over second-place finisher far-right candidate Marine Le Pen. The largest protests were reported in Paris, where some 141 people were arrested amid demonstrations that turned violent. Other rallies labeled as "anarchist" or "anti-capitalist," with many chanting "No Macron, no Le Pen," were also reported in Nantes, Lyon, Poitiers, Grenoble, and Strasbourg. Clashes between protesters and police, the use of tear gas, and multiple arrests were reported in some cases.

Advice

Individuals present in France are advised to avoid all demonstrations, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities.