In a dramatic show of solidarity, demonstrators across Europe’s major cities have rallied against the controversial tariff policies set forth by the Trump administration. The "Hands Off" movement swept through London, Paris, Berlin, Lisbon, and Frankfurt on April 5, igniting vibrant protests that resonated on both sides of the Atlantic.
In London’s Trafalgar Square, hundreds – including members of Democrats Abroad (DAUK) – brandished slogans like "No to MAGA hate," "Greenland is Not For Sale," and "Hate Will Never Make America Great." A protester from Philadelphia, draped in a treasured American flag passed down from a World War II veteran, decried what she described as the "absolute, mind-blowing insipidness" of current U.S. policies and stressed the importance of global unity.
Over in Lisbon, several hundred expatriate Americans gathered to defend civil liberties, chanting "Hands Off the Constitution" and "What America Needs, Portugal Knows." Veteran activist Caryl Hallberg and academic Jaiy Conboy lent their voices to the protest, warning that tariffs—including a 10-percent minimum baseline and additional reciprocal levies—could further destabilize economic and social alliances.
Meanwhile, in Paris at Place de la Republique, around 200 demonstrators delivered impassioned speeches and cultural performances urging resistance and upholding the rule of law. Protests in Berlin and Frankfurt echoed similar concerns, as many decried policies blamed for a sharp decline in global stock markets.
These European demonstrations join over 1,400 protests across the United States, organized by coalitions of civil rights groups, labor unions, and veterans’ associations. Together, they underscore a growing international call for accountability and a more connected, equitable economic policy that prioritizes shared prosperity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
