Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across France on Saturday to protest President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint Michel Barnier, a 73-year-old conservative and former European Union Brexit negotiator, as prime minister.
The appointment of Barnier on Thursday came after a two-month search following Macron’s call for legislative elections that resulted in a hung parliament divided into three blocs. Left-wing parties have accused Macron of disregarding democracy and “stealing” the election by refusing to select a candidate from the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance, which won the most seats in the July vote.
In his first interview as government chief, Barnier stated that his government, which lacks a clear majority, will include conservatives, members of Macron’s camp, and he hoped some from the left. Barnier faces the challenge of driving reforms and the 2025 budget as France faces pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to reduce its deficit.
The far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party said 130 protests were planned across the country. A poll by Elabe showed that 74% of French people believed Macron had disregarded the election results, with 55% saying he had stolen them.
Left-wing party leaders, unions, and student bodies called for mass protests on Saturday ahead of potential strikes on October 1. The demonstrations come as Barnier continues consultations to form a government, a task complicated by the potential for a no-confidence vote, especially with an urgent draft budget for 2025 due for parliamentary discussion in early October.
The NFP and the far-right National Rally (RN) together have a majority and could potentially oust the prime minister through a no-confidence vote if they decide to collaborate. RN party leader Jordan Bardella gave tacit approval for Barnier, stating conditions for not backing a no-confidence vote, effectively making the RN a kingmaker for the new government.
“He is a prime minister under surveillance,” Bardella told BFM on Saturday. “Nothing can be done without us.”
The protests and political maneuvering highlight the challenges facing Barnier’s government as it seeks to navigate a divided parliament and implement Macron’s agenda.
REUTERS
