Far-right and anti-fascist protesters to clash again at May Day event in Tampere
The far-right Sinimusta Liike (Blue-Black Movement) is holding its annual White May Day event in central Tampere on Wednesday, with counter-protests expected, Yle reports. Police have prepared for potential clashes after violent confrontations last year.
The Sinimusta Liike gathering begins at noon on Jugendtori square, followed by a march through the city centre. The openly racist and fascist group, as described on its own website, plans speeches before the march.
A counter-demonstration by the Tampere Without Nazis collective will start at the same time and location, aiming to “take space away from fascism” through non-violent means. “The goal is to make it visible that Tampere belongs to all of us, not to Nazis,” the group stated.
Last year’s event drew around 200 counter-protesters, who threw eggs and flares at Sinimusta Liike participants. Police used a pressure cannon and detained 15 people after clashes erupted during the march.
Senior Superintendent Ari Aro of the Central Finland Police confirmed that Sinimusta Liike notified authorities of this year’s event in advance, while counter-protesters did not submit a formal notice, as in 2023. “We are preparing in the same way as last year, with resources allocated in case a counter-demonstration appears,” Aro said.
Police have coordinated march routes to avoid overlaps, though Aro declined to disclose the Sinimusta Liike procession path in advance. The traditional left-wing May Day march will take place earlier in the day, preventing scheduling conflicts.
The far-right combat sports network Active Club, linked to Sinimusta Liike, announced it would join the march as a “black bloc,” with participants dressed in black and masking their faces. The US-originated group also took part in last year’s event.
Aro acknowledged police have prior intelligence on potential groups involved but did not provide details. The force’s priority remains safeguarding pre-notified events and the right to assemble.