18 Jun 2024 | 10:00 AM UTC
France: Activists to stage demonstrations nationwide through late June to protest electoral results /update 3
Activists to protest across France through late June against increased support for right-wing parties in recent European elections.
Political activists plan to continue to protest across France through late June in response to the results of the European elections that were held in the country June 9. French President Emmanuel Macron called for snap elections late June 9 following the release of the electoral results, which showed an increase in support for the National Rally (Rassemblement National, RN) party. The elections will be held in two turns, June 29-30 and July 6-7.
Protests will be held in several major cities, likely until the end of the electoral period, denouncing the rise of right-wing parties in French politics. Major demonstrations will occur on June 22-23 in the following cities:
Bordeaux: Participants will gather at Jean Moulin Square from 16:00 on June 23.
Lyon: Participants will gather at Bellecour Square from 14:00 on June 22.
Marseille: Participants will gather at the Vieux Port from 11:00 on June 22.
Montpellier: Participants will gather at Peyrou Park from 15:00 on June 22.
Rennes: Participants will gather at Parlament de Bretagne Square from 17:30 on June 22.
Further demonstrations will occur in Toulouse, Strasbourg, Angers, and Lille; however, no confirmed location was officially designated. Smaller demonstrations are likely across the rest of the country. Demonstrations have drawn large crowds; around 250,000 participants were reported across France on June 15. Similar numbers are likely to occur in the coming demonstrations. Some participants later clashed with police before being dispersed with tear gas and stun grenades. Further related demonstrations will likely occur in France's major cities over the coming days, the largest of which will likely be in Paris. Counterdemonstrations are possible.
Authorities will likely deploy an increased security presence to the sites of any large demonstrations that materialize. Transport disruptions are likely in areas that are subject to protest activity. Clashes between police and protesters, as well as between supporters of rival political groups, cannot be ruled out.
Avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling through urban centers where demonstrations may occur. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.
EU elections were held in Europe June 6-9; the early results were published late on June 9, highlighting a general increase in votes for RN in France. President Macron aims to hold snap elections to reconfirm his role and his party as the leading political force in France; however, such snap elections could instead undermine Macron's role as president and impact European politics, prompting further protest activity.
