Massive Protests In France As Citizens Reject President Macron’s Choice Of 73-Year-Old As Prime Minister
The left-wing parties accused Macron of undermining democracy and rigging the legislative elections.
On Saturday, thousands of people across France took to the streets to protest against President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint 73-year-old Michel Barnier, a centre-right politician, as Prime Minister.
The left-wing parties accused Macron of undermining democracy and rigging the legislative elections, Reuters reports.
Macron, who named Barnier, a conservative and former EU Brexit negotiator, as prime minister on Thursday, concluded a two-month search that followed a failed legislative election that resulted in a hung parliament split into three blocs.
In his first interview as prime minister, Barnier stated that his government, lacking a clear majority, would include conservatives, members of Macron’s camp, and hopefully some from the left.
Barnier faces the challenge of implementing reforms and preparing the 2025 budget while under pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to address France’s deficit.
The left, particularly the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, has condemned Macron for what they see as a denial of democracy and an attempt to undermine the July election results, where the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance emerged on top.
A recent Elabe poll revealed that 74% of French citizens believe Macron disregarded the election results, with 55% thinking he effectively stole them.
In response to Barnier’s appointment, left-wing leaders, unions, and student groups organized widespread protests, with the LFI party announcing 130 demonstrations nationwide.
Additional actions, including potential strikes on October 1, are being planned.
Barnier continued consultations on Saturday as he attempted to form a government amid the threat of a no-confidence vote, especially with an urgent 2025 budget set to be debated in parliament in early October.
The NFP and the far-right National Rally (RN), which together hold a majority, could potentially remove Barnier if they choose to collaborate.
The RN has given conditional support to Barnier, making it a crucial player in the formation of the new government.
“He is a prime minister under surveillance,” RN leader Jordan Bardella told BFM on Saturday, adding, “Nothing can be done without us.”
