Story perspectives

Global May Day Rallies Denounce Trump’s War, Energy Prices

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Trade unions said May Day protests reject U.S. President Donald Trump's war in the Middle East, while French unions warned against working on the protected holiday.
On May 1, 2026, workers rallied to protest rising energy costs and U.S. policies.
In Manila, demonstrators marched near the U.S. Embassy, displayed anti-war banners and clashed with police.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended a Jakarta rally where crowds demanded protection from rising prices.

History

Historical Context

The October 1973 OAPEC oil embargo, led by Saudi Arabia, drove world oil prices up nearly 300%—from $5 to $11.65 a barrel—and sparked mass gasoline-price protests in the United States under President Richard Nixon. Fifty-three years later, May 1 2026 rallies in Manila, Jakarta and French cities echo those labor-driven responses to soaring energy costs.

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Story summary

Trade unions said May Day protests reject U.S. President Donald Trump's war in the Middle East, while French unions warned against working on the protected holiday.
On May 1, 2026, workers rallied to protest rising energy costs and U.S. policies.
In Manila, demonstrators marched near the U.S. Embassy, displayed anti-war banners and clashed with police.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended a Jakarta rally where crowds demanded protection from rising prices.

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