European peace activists march against Trump’s NATO visit

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BRUSSELS: European activists are protesting US President Donald Trump’s upcoming appearance at NATO, marching through Belgium’s capital to plead for less military spending and more public money for schools and clean energy.

The “Trump Not Welcome” march and a companion concert come as European and North American leaders prepare to converge on NATO’s Brussels headquarters for an annual summit. Trump is demanding that NATO allies boost military spending, accusing them of not doing enough to defend themselves.

The march organizers oppose more military spending. Activists campaigning for the closure of coal and nuclear plants, an end to racism and sexism and for stopping austerity plans that hurt the poor joined Saturday’s event.

Trump’s NATO demands and climate and trade policies have angered European leaders he will see at the summit on Wednesday and Thursday.