07 Sep 2024 | 11:23 AM UTC
Western Europe: Activists to protest in several cities Sept. 7 to denounce French PM appointment
Activists to protest in several Western European cities Sept. 7 against appointment of French prime minister. Disruptions likely.
Political activists plan to demonstrate in several cities throughout Western Europe on Sept. 7. The rallies have been called by supporters of French political parties and labor unions opposed to President Emmanuel Macron's appointment of Michel Barnier as prime minister of France. Attendees will gather at the following locations on Sept. 7:
London, UK: French Embassy, Knightsbridge, from 15:00
Dublin, Ireland: French Embassy, Fitzwilliam Lane, from 15:00
Madrid, Spain: Plaza de la Villa de Paris from 12:00
Barcelona, Spain: French Consulate, Ronda Universitat, from 12:00
Berlin, Germany: Pariser Platz from 15:00
Freiburg, Germany: Platz der alten Synagoge from 11:00
Participation numbers remain unclear.
Local authorities will likely deploy additional police and security measures to the protest sites. Localized ground travel and business disruptions are likely. The events are likely to pass off peacefully.
Avoid the demonstrations as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling near the protest sites. Heed the instructions of officials.
In June, President Macron called a snap national legislative election for early July. A broad left-wing coalition gained the most seats in the National Assembly, followed by a centrist coalition and the right-wing National Rally party. Political leaders have held negotiations to find an acceptable candidate to act as prime minister; however, the process was delayed by an "Olympic Truce" during the Paris 2024 Games. The president appointed the conservative Michel Barnier as prime minister Sept. 5.
