Paris police said 3,000 people gathered in Paris on Monday evening, at a demonstration against the far right, which made historic gains in the European elections on Sunday. Other gatherings took place around the country.
Thousands of people gathered in several cities across France on Monday, June 10, in the evening, following the far-right Rassemblement National’s surge at the polls in the European elections and French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of a dissolution of the Assemblée Nationale.
Paris police said 3,000 people had gathered on the Place de la République in Paris at 8 pm. Many of them were young people, chanting with middle fingers raised, slogans such as “Everybody hates Marine Le Pen.”
“The prospect of having a far-right prime minister in three weeks terrifies me,” said Alice, a 24-year-old student. Alba Bourreau, 19, an arts student, was taking part in her “first political demonstration,” having voted on Sunday for the first time, saying she’s “ready to come and demonstrate as much as we need to.” “We’ve come to mobilize against fascism, and because we’re fed up with this image that France votes right or far right. The left also exists. It’s in the streets tonight,” said Luna, 19.
Lets see if they show up for the election. If so, this is evidence for the effectiveness of Macrons gambit.
Real power comes from the ballot box. No point in demonstrating if you don’t vote.
I mean I think this represents the core of Macrons strategy. Force the issue. Don’t wait. Get people emotionally worked up and do so quickly. Don’t wait for things to cool off.
Let’s hope it works. It fucken sucks watching the world turn right when we need to embrace real solutions and unity to overcome these new challenges. Not deny them and drink the juice.
It definitely fits the bill of the “bold move Cotton” meme template.
I personally side with WWII General Pattons quote on planning:
"“A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.”
Too many political leaders think they have until next week to figure out how to deal with the rising tide of fascism globally. They don’t. If Macron thinks he’s got the nuts or at least a hand that plays, I say push the chips. Because next week you won’t have a stronger position.
Pretty sure the real quote is “from the barrel of a gun”
I thought he called the snap election yesterday? Was it not yesterday?
A snap election isn’t instant lol. An election committee gets formed, a date is set a few months ahead, politicians register and campaign, polling stations are formed and staffed. It’s a lot of work. It’s like the US but faster and less predictable and therefore not 18 months nightmare of propaganda.
a few months ahead
Nah, election day is in 2 weeks… Political parties are scrambling to form alliances and put a program together… It’s a total shitshow.
Oh shit France runs things WAY faster than us Canadians. Probably for the best. The longer the campaign is, the more politicians can use bullshit populist fearmongering. Good luck to the French for defeating the fascists… That just won in France for the EU elections…
Yes, yesterday. There are a wide range of views as to this being a good idea or not.
How much it’s 3k compared to the total population of France?
Gotta start somewhere. Tens of thousands of demonstrators don’t show up at a moment’s notice. Honestly surprised even 3000 showed up that quickly.
Small, but this was 3000 the day after the Election Day, gathered on a weekday and on short notice i would consider 3000 a good turnout.
Does anybody else have a feeling that just about any article reporting on left or climate protests, only seems to quote students (often art or philosophy) and pensioners? I believe the group is broader than that, why pick people who are regarded as not contributing much to society in populists’ views already?
People between college and retirement have jobs and may not be able to take the day off so they’re underrepresented at weekday protests
EU citizens are too busy criticizing Americans to vote
/s
What were the official turn out percentages?
51% in France, a couple points more than last time. Turn out is usually low for European elections.
And actually people were too busy blaming Europe for all their problems to vote.
Oh wow! Maybe they should have voted? I mean protesting is all fine and dandy but what will that accomplish? It’s not like the fash will listen to anyone…
Forget the /s?
