Protesters unfurl anti-Le Pen banner on Eiffel Tower
Protesters on Friday unfurled a banner on the Eiffel Tower in Paris urging French voters to “resist” making populist candidate Marine Le Pen their president.
Greenpeace confirmed that it was behind the message, which also bears the motto of the French Republic: “liberty, equality, fraternity.”
“We wanted to say we are against the rise of nationalism and authoritarianism in France and in other countries,” Jean-Francois Julliard told public radio francinfo, according to Reuters.
{mosads}“This is our way of reminding everybody they all need to mobilize to defend these values of liberty, equality and fraternity,” added Julliard, who heads the environmental advocacy group in France.
Greenpeace’s action comes two days before French voters head to the polls Sunday to elect their president for the next five years.
Le Pen leads the nationalist and populist National Front party and has frequently been compared to President Trump.
Emmanuel Macron, her opponent, leads the socially liberal party En Marche! (In Motion!).
France’s presidential election is widely regarded as a test of the populist movement that has swept through Western governments since last year.
Former President Barack Obama on Thursday endorsed Macron, adding that he is “rooting” for France’s success.
“Because of how important this election is, I also want you to know I am supporting Emmanuel Macron to lead you forward. En March! Vive la France!”
Trump has refused to directly comment on France’s presidential race but has said last month’s terrorist attack in Paris may boost Le Pen.
“I think that’ll probably help her because she is the strongest on borders and she is the strongest on what’s been going on in France,” he told The Associated Press.
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