French cities to host Americans’ ‘No Kings 2’ rallies as part of global pro-democracy day
Organisers hope that people dissatisfied with the policies of President Trump will join international protest
Organisers say the protest against President Trump will be the largest coordinated civic mobilisation involving Americans overseas since the first No Kings event held in June (pictured)
Kent Hudson / noamgalai
/ Shutterstock
Americans living in France who are dissatisfied with the policies of President Trump are being called to gather in several cities around France on Saturday, October 18, as part of an international day of demonstrations addressing concerns about the state of democracy in the United States.
The events, which are part of the international ‘No Kings 2’ protest, will take place in Paris and Nice, with smaller gatherings in Toulouse, Lyon and Bordeaux.
The Paris rally will run from 15:00 to 17:00 at the Fontaine des Innocents, near Les Halles.It coincides with more than 2,500 planned rallies in the US and abroad, organised by groups opposed to the policies of President Trump’s administration.
Organisers say the protest will be the largest coordinated civic mobilisation involving Americans overseas since the first No Kings event held in June, which drew large crowds to Place de la Bastille.
The Paris event is being coordinated by Indivisible Paris and Paris Against Trump, both part of networks formed by US citizens overseas.
They describe the movement as peaceful and inclusive, inviting Americans as well as French and other European residents “to stand together for democratic values.”
Other French cities
The protests in Nice, Toulouse, Lyon and Bordeaux are organised by Democrats Abroad, the official international branch of the US Democratic Party for citizens living overseas.
Democrats Abroad said demonstrations would take place simultaneously in five French cities “in solidarity with millions of Americans around the world”.
The group stated its aim was to draw attention to concerns over civil liberties, social programmes and the rule of law in the United States.
Confirmed start times include:
Nice: 16:00 on the Quai des Etats-Unis, near the replica Statue of Liberty on the Promenade des Anglais
Toulouse: 14:00 on Place Jeanne d’Arc, Boulevard de Strasbourg
Lyon: 15:00 on Place Paul Duquaire, near the Passerelle du Palais de Justice
Bordeaux: details to be confirmed
‘Defend democratic principles’
Kaitlin Brondum of Indivisible Paris said the rally would highlight worries about “political division and democratic backsliding” in the US.
“Americans stood with the world when fascism threatened Europe,” she said. “We are asking our friends abroad to stand with us now in defence of democratic principles.”
Organisers say the rally will feature speeches, music and creative protest displays, including umbrellas and costumes bearing slogans. Participants are asked to register online.
While the No Kings network takes a critical stance towards the current US administration, it presents itself as part of a wider civic movement encouraging participation and debate.
Organisers abroad stress that the demonstrations are intended to be peaceful and symbolic.
Further details and RSVP links are available at mobilize.us/indivisible/event/841583 and nokings.org.
