Thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday to express their opposition to President Emmanuel Macron’s appointment of Michel Barnier, 73, as the new Prime Minister.
Led mainly by left-wing parties, the demonstrations were driven by accusations that Macron is undermining democracy and manipulating recent legislative election outcomes, according to Reuters.
Barnier, a centre-right politician and former EU Brexit negotiator, was appointed Prime Minister after a two-month search following the legislative elections, which resulted in a hung parliament with three major political blocs.
The appointment has faced significant backlash, especially from left-wing groups, including the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party. They argue that Macron is disregarding the election results to consolidate power.
In his first address as Prime Minister, Barnier acknowledged the challenges of forming a government without a clear majority and expressed his intention to include members from various political factions, including conservatives, Macron’s allies, and some from the left.
Barnier now faces the challenge of implementing reforms and preparing the 2025 budget amidst widespread opposition. The protests come as France faces growing pressure from both the European Commission and bond markets to address its increasing deficit.
The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance, which emerged as a leading force in the July elections, has condemned Macron’s decision as an affront to democratic principles. An Elabe poll indicated that 74% of French citizens believe Macron ignored the election results, with 55% accusing him of effectively undermining them.
Nationwide protests were organized by left-wing leaders, unions, and student groups, with the LFI party announcing 130 demonstrations. There are also plans for potential strikes starting October 1.
As Barnier continues consultations to form a stable government, he faces the threat of a no-confidence vote, especially with the critical 2025 budget debate approaching in early October. The far-right National Rally (RN) party holds significant influence in the new parliament, with RN leader Jordan Bardella noting that Barnier “is a prime minister under surveillance,” suggesting that no progress can be made without their involvement.
