France: Thousands protest Bouteflika candidacy in multiple cities March 3 /update 1

Event

Thousands of people protested across France on Sunday, March 3, denouncing the candidacy of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for a fifth term in office. At least 6000 people demonstrated in Paris, with many gathering on the Place de la République. Another 1000 people reportedly gathered to protest Bouteflika's candidacy in Marseille, as well as hundreds of others in Toulouse.

Similar protests are to be expected in France over the coming days and weeks amid a heightened security presence. Localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated near protest sites.

Context

The protests were organized in response to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's campaign to be reelected for a fifth term; presidential elections are set for April 18. In early February, the ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) officially nominated Bouteflika as their candidate. Bouteflika's campaign manager formally submitted the incumbent president's candidacy on March 3.

Bouteflika has been in power since 1999. There is widespread discontent with Bouteflika's economic policies, lack of public appearances following a stroke in 2013, and repression of speech; such frustrations have led to the largest and most extensive protests in Algeria since the 2011 Arab Spring protests. Public demonstrations in Algeria, banned since 2001, are usually rare and are often met with a heavy security presence.

Advice

Individuals in France are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.