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Local France
3 days ago
- Politics
- Local France
Macron calls for release of Gaza activists as thousands demonstrate
Tens of thousands of people staged rallies on Monday after Israel stopped the boat, the Madleen, that was carrying 12 activists. In France, rallies in Paris and at least five other cities were called by left-wing parties. Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of La France Insoumise (LFI) party, called the seizure of the Gaza boat by the Israeli military "international piracy". In Switzerland, several hundred people blocked train stations in Geneva and Lausanne to protest Israel's military operations in Gaza, media reports said. Some 300 protesters carrying Palestinian flags occupied two tracks at Geneva's main station for about an hour, leading to delays and cancellations, the reports said. A similar protest was staged in nearby Lausanne where police cleared the tracks. Macron meanwhile urged the immediate liberation of French nationals among the 12 activists on the vessel. Macron had "requested that the six French nationals be allowed to return to France as soon as possible," his office said. Advertisement France was "vigilant" and "stands by all its nationals when they are in danger," he added. The French government had also called on Israel to ensure the "protection" of the activists. Macron also called the humanitarian blockade of Gaza "a scandal" and a "disgrace". Israel's foreign ministry said earlier that "all the passengers of the 'selfie yacht' are safe and unharmed", and it expected the activists to return to their home countries. Israel has virtually sealed off Gaza as part of its military operation in the Palestinian territory since the Hamas militant group's attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Los Angeles Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
From Tokyo to Turin to L.A., Trump's policies loom over May Day marches
PARIS — French union leaders condemned the 'Trumpization' of world politics, while in Italy, May Day protesters paraded a puppet of the American president through the streets of Turin. Across continents, hundreds of thousands turned out for Thursday's rallies marking International Workers' Day, many united in anger over President Trump's agenda — including aggressive tariffs stoking fears of global economic turmoil and immigration crackdowns. In the United States, organizers framed this year's protests as a pushback against what they called a sweeping assault on labor protections, diversity initiatives and federal employees. In Germany, union leaders warned that extended workdays and rising anti-immigrant sentiment were dismantling labor protections. In Bern, Switzerland, thousands marched behind banners denouncing fascism and war — part of a wider backlash against the global surge of hard-right politics. In France, protests included appearances by far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon and also reflected simmering anger over U.S. military and trade influence in Europe — a theme echoed in speeches condemning Washington's role in global instability. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te cited new U.S. tariffs under Trump as he promoted a sweeping economic package aimed at shoring up jobs and industry. In the Philippines, protest leader Mong Palatino warned that 'tariff wars and policies of Trump' threatened local industries and people's livelihoods. In Japan, Trump's image loomed over the day — quite literally — as a truck in the Tokyo march carried a doll made to resemble him. Demonstrators there called for higher wages, gender equality, healthcare, disaster relief, a ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 'For our children to be able to live with hope, the rights of workers must be recognized,' said Junko Kuramochi, a member of a mothers' group in Tokyo. Tadashi Ito, a union construction worker, said he feared the rising cost of imported raw materials. 'Everybody is fighting over work, and so the contracts tend to go where the wages are cheapest,' he said. 'We think peace comes first. And we hope Trump will eradicate conflict and inequalities.' Under overcast skies in Taipei, about 2,500 union members marched from the presidential office, representing sectors from fisheries to telecommunications. Protesters warned that Trump's tariffs could lead to job losses. 'This is why we hope the government can propose plans to protect the rights of laborers,' said union leader Carlos Wang. An autoworkers' union carried a cutout car topped with a photo of Trump. President Lai said his administration had submitted a 410-billion New Taiwan dollar ($12.8-billion) bill to support local industry and shield the economy from global shocks. In Manila, thousands of Filipino workers rallied near the presidential palace, where police blocked access with barricades. Protesters demanded wage hikes and stronger protections for local jobs and small businesses. In Jakarta, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto addressed a cheering crowd at the National Monument Park. 'The government that I lead will work as hard as possible to eliminate poverty from Indonesia,' he said. Roughly 200,000 workers were expected to take part in May Day rallies across Southeast Asia's largest economy, according to Said Iqbal, president of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions. Their demands included wage increases, an end to outsourcing, and stronger protections for both domestic and migrant laborers. In Turkey, May Day served as a platform not only for labor rights but for broader calls to uphold democratic values. Tens of thousands gathered on Istanbul's Asian shore in Kadikoy for a rally, some railing against the jailing of Istanbul's opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. His imprisonment in March sparked the country's largest protests in more than a decade. Authorities blocked access to central Istanbul and shut down transit lines. A law association said that more than 400 protesters were arrested before midday near Taksim Square including lawyers trying to follow the detentions. Los Angeles is expected to host one of the world's largest May Day events this year — just days after Trump passed the 100-day mark of his return to office. Organizers say the protests reflect mounting frustration with policies they see as favoring tycoons over workers and corporations over communities. While the demonstrations focus on labor rights, many also took aim at the administration's efforts to weaken unions, reduce the federal workforce, and curb protections for immigrants. Across the country, hundreds of rallies were planned by labor unions, student groups and grassroots coalitions, echoing a broader call to prioritize public services over private profits and working families over wealthy elites. A banner at the L.A. march summarized the day's theme: 'One Struggle, One Fight — Workers Unite!' 'We're bringing the fight to the billionaires and politicians who are trying to divide us with fear and lies. We know the truth — an attack on immigrant workers is an attack on all workers,' said April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union, which represents 2 million workers. Adamson and Kageyama write for the Associated Press. Kageyama reported from Tokyo. AP journalists Nicolas Garriga and Masha Macpherson in Paris, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Joeal Calupitan in Manila, Andrew Wilks in Istanbul, Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sophia Tareen in Chicago and Taijing Wu in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report.
Rhyl Journal
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Thousands across the globe march to celebrate May Day and protest over tariffs
In France, union leaders condemned the 'Trumpisation' of world politics. In Italy, protesters paraded a puppet of the American president through the streets of Turin. And in Germany, unionists warned that extended workdays and anti-immigrant rhetoric were eroding hard-won labour protections. In Bern, Switzerland, thousands marched behind banners denouncing fascism and war – part of a wider backlash against the global surge of hard-right politics. In France, protests included appearances by far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon and also reflected simmering anger over US military and trade influence in Europe – a theme echoed in speeches condemning Washington's role in global instability. The holiday, also known as International Workers' Day or Labour Day, honours the struggles and achievements of workers and the labour movement. Rallies are expected across the United States as well, including in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia. Across multiple countries, Mr Trump's agenda was cited as a source of concern. In the United States, organisers said their message this year focused on fighting Mr Trump's approach targeting immigrants, federal workers and diversity initiatives. In Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te referenced new US tariffs under Mr Trump as he promoted a proposed spending bill aimed at stabilising the job market and supporting livelihoods. In the Philippines, protest leader Mong Palatino warned that 'tariff wars and policies of Trump' threatened local industries. In Japan, Mr Trump's image loomed over the day quite literally, as a truck in the Tokyo march carried a doll made to resemble him. There, participants' demands ranged from higher wages and gender equality to health care, disaster relief, a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Under overcast skies in Taipei, about 2,500 Taiwanese union members began a march at the presidential office, representing sectors from fisheries to telecommunications. Protesters warned that Mr Trump's tariffs could cost jobs. In Manila, thousands of Filipino workers marched near the presidential palace, where police blocked access with barricades. Protesters demanded higher wages and stronger protections for local jobs and businesses. In Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto greeted thousands of workers who cheered him in Jakarta's National Monument Park. 'The government that I lead will work as hard as possible to eliminate poverty from Indonesia,' Mr Subianto told the crowd. Los Angeles is expected to host one of the world's largest May Day events this year, and a banner there summarised the day's theme: 'One Struggle, One Fight – Workers Unite.'
Asahi Shimbun
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
Activists to rally worldwide on May Day, with U.S. protests targeting Trump policies
Supporters of French far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon are gathered on Republique square to listen their leader during a protest over the president's labor reform, in Paris, France, Sept. 23, 2017. (AP Photo) CHICAGO--From worker rights rallies to marches for social justice, activists around the globe will kick off May Day demonstrations on Thursday. In some countries, it's a public holiday honoring labor, but activists planning marches in the United States say much of their message is about fighting back against President Donald Trump's policies targeting immigrants, federal workers and diversity programs. Thousands are expected at demonstrations from Tokyo to Chicago. In some parts of the U.S., though, fear sowed by the Trump administration is expected to keep some immigrants home. 'Everybody is under attack right now,' said Jorge Mujica, a longtime labor leader from Chicago, where May Day rallies historically have had a large turnout. The roots of May Day, or International Workers Day, stretch back over a century to a turbulent and pivotal time in U.S. labor history. In the 1880s, unions pushing for better workplace conditions began advocating for an eight-hour workday with widespread demonstrations and strikes. In May 1886, a Chicago labor rally turned deadly when a bomb was thrown and police retaliated with gunfire. Several labor activists, most of them immigrants, were convicted of conspiracy to incite violence among other charges. Four were hanged. Unions later recommended that the workers be honored every May 1. A sculpture in Chicago's Haymarket Square commemorates them with an inscription that reads: 'Dedicated to all workers of the world.' May Day marches, rallies and riots have taken place worldwide in recent years as unions push for better rights for workers, groups air economic grievances or activists call for an end to the war in Gaza. While most demonstrations have been peaceful, there have been clashes with police. Last year, police in Paris fired tear gas as thousands of protesters marched through the French capital, seeking better pay and working conditions. In New York City, May Day demonstrations coincided with rising tensions at college campuses over pro-Palestinian student encampments, resulting in numerous arrests. This year, organizers in numerous cities, including New York, are calling for unity across many causes and groups. 'We're organizing for a world where every family has housing, health care, fair wages, union protection, and safety — regardless of race, immigration status, or zip code,' the American Civil Liberty Union of New York said in a statement. Other notable U.S. demonstrations include a workers rally at Philadelphia City Hall with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and demonstrations at the Colorado State Capitol and in Los Angeles, Seattle and Washington, D.C. While labor and immigrant rights are historically intertwined, the focus of May Day rallies in the U.S. shifted to immigration in 2006. That's when roughly 1 million people, including nearly half a million in Chicago alone, took to the streets to protest federal legislation that would've made living in the U.S. without legal permission a felony. Crowds for May 1 demonstrations have since dwindled with advocacy groups splintering and shifting activism arenas such as voters rights. This year in Chicago, organizers say activism starting Thursday will last until Cinco de Mayo with boycotts and walkouts. Their focus is workers' rights but also rising anti-immigrant rhetoric from Trump's administration. Organizers acknowledge a chilling effect on immigrant communities since Trump has cracked down on enforcement, especially in so-called sanctuary cities including Chicago. They're expecting lower numbers of immigrants but are expanding their outreach to more unions, including for teachers and nurses. 'There's a lot fear out there,' said Omar Lopez, a longtime Chicago organizer. In some countries, May Day is a public holiday for workers, including France, Kenya, Russia and China, where it lasts five days. It's also a traditional spring celebration that's observed in ways that don't involve marching in the streets or civil disobedience. In Hawaii, May 1 is called Lei Day, which isn't an official holiday, but a statewide celebration of the Hawaiian culture and the aloha spirit through the creation and giving of lei — usually a necklace of flowers. Elsewhere, people mark the holiday by leaving May Day baskets filled with gifts and flowers on the doorsteps of friends. The city of Annapolis, Maryland, is set to hold its 70th May Day Basket Competition, where residents and businesses outdo each other for the best floral arrangements. 'It's our community's way of saying goodbye to winter and welcoming the beauty and energy of spring,' Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley said.
