Thousands took to the streets across France on Saturday to protest President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint Michel Barnier, a centrist-right figure, as Prime Minister. Leftist parties have accused Macron of “stealing” the legislative elections.
Barnier, the 73-year-old former European Union negotiator for Brexit, was appointed on Thursday, concluding a two-month search following legislative elections that resulted in a fragmented parliament divided into three blocs.
In his first interview as Prime Minister on Friday evening, Barnier mentioned that his government, which lacks a clear majority, would include conservative politicians, members from Macron’s camp, and hopefully some from the left-wing. The conservative politician faces a daunting task of pushing reforms and passing the country’s 2025 budget while France faces pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to reduce its budget deficit.
Leaders of the leftist France Unbowed party, spearheaded by the newly formed Popular Front alliance, which won in the July elections, accuse Macron of denying democracy and ignoring the electoral results. A poll released by Elabe on Friday showed that 74% of French people believe Macron disregarded the election results, with 55% believing he outright stole them.
Left-wing party leaders, unions, and student organizations called for massive protests on Saturday ahead of further actions, including possible strikes on October 1, in response to Barnier’s appointment. His party, The Republicans, finished fifth in parliament with fewer than 50 seats.
France Unbowed stated that 130 protests were organized across the country.
Barnier continues government formation consultations on Saturday, a challenging task as he faces a potential no-confidence vote. An urgent draft of the 2025 budget is also set to be discussed in parliament in early October.
The majority is held by the New Popular Front alliance and the far-right National Rally party, both of which could potentially topple the Prime Minister through a no-confidence vote if they decide to cooperate.
The National Rally has given its tacit approval to Barnier, indicating a number of conditions for not supporting a no-confidence vote, effectively making it the party responsible for forming a new government.
