A protest march to demonstrate against Finland’s participation in global free trade agreements set out from Helsinki’s Narinkkatori in Kamppi at 2 pm. Over 400 people are participating in the march, which police say has proceeded peacefully. However, the police do warn that the march will interfere with traffic in the city centre until at least 5 pm.
Similar marches are taking place throughout Europe today. Protesters feel the emphasis on free trade will negatively influence standards on food and product safety and open the door to the privatization of public services.
At 3 pm the march had progressed to the South Esplanade, along Mannerheimintie and is scheduled to end at the Kansalaistori (Citizen’s Square), located between the Music Centre and the Contemporary Art Museum of Kiasma.
