Event: The final round of the French Presidential Elections will be held this weekend. On Sunday April 24, authorities expect spontaneous gatherings in cities throughout France after 8pm. These could potentially turn violent. Please pay attention to your local news regarding possible violence in your area and avoid protest areas.
Additionally, smaller demonstrations (see below) are expected throughout the country, with potential for risk of riots/clashes with the police. U.S. government employees have been advised to avoid the locations of protests.
Saturday, April 23
Strasbourg
What: Antifa
Where: Place de la Gare
When: 2:30pm
Lyon
What: Against Macron
Where: Place Bellecour
When: 2:00pm
Bordeaux
What: Students – Call to protest by Federation Syndicale Etudiante
Where: Place de la Bourse
When: 2:00pm
Sunday, April 24
Paris
What: Student Protests
Where: Chatelet and Pantheon
When: 8:00 pm
Rennes
What: Election Protests
Where: Rennes at Place St Anne
When: 8:00pm
Actions to Take:
- Avoid the areas of the demonstrations
- Exercise caution if in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests
- Monitor local media for updates
- Be prepared for disruptions to public transportation in areas of the protests
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Keep a low profile
U.S. citizens may monitor English-language French media at the following:
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Paris, France +33 (1) 43 12 22 22
CitizenInfo@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Marseille, France +33 (1) 43 12 22 22
CitizenInfoMarseille@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Strasbourg, France
+33 (1) 43 12 22 22
USAStrasbourg@state.gov
State Department – Consular AffairsFrance Country Specific Information Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
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