08 Jul 2024 | 01:33 PM UTC
France: Demonstrations likely nationwide through mid-July following second round of French elections /update 5
Protests likely across France through mid-July in response to results of second round of French elections.
Protests are likely across France through mid-July following the second round of parliamentary elections. Demonstrations, for the most part, are likely to denounce gains by the left-leaning New Popular Front coalition; however, rallies in support of the centrist Ensemble coalition and right-leaning National Rally party are also possible.
Pre-election demonstrations drew large crowds; around 250,000 participants were reported across France on June 15. Following the announcement of election results following the second round of voting on July 7, demonstrators clashed with police in several cities, including Paris and Lyon, before being dispersed with tear gas and stun grenades.
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. Counterdemonstrations are possible. 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.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for snap elections to be held June 30 and July 7 following the release of the electoral results of EU elections, held on June 6-9, which showed an increase in support for the National Rally (Rassemblement National, RN) party. Although President Macron aimed to hold elections to reconfirm his role and his party as the leading political force in France, his Ensemble coalition ultimately came in second behind the left-leaning New Popular Front coalition; however, as no grouping received an outright majority, political leaders were forced to enter into coalition-building negotiations in order to form a governing coalition or face a hung parliament.
Demonstrations are likely to occur following any announcement of the appointment of a prime minister, forming of a governing coalition, or failure to do so. Demonstrations are likely to either peak in the days immediately following the July 7 second round or Bastille Day (July 14), a holiday that in recent years has frequently coincided with protests.
