International
Over 100,000 Protest In France Over Barnier’s Prime Ministerial Appointment
His selection follows an inconclusive election in which the left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) secured the most seats, but their candidate for prime minister was rejected by President Emmanuel Macron, sparking outrage among NPF supporters and trade unions.
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Michel Barnier, known for his role as the EU’s former Brexit negotiator, has stated his willingness to form a government that includes politicians from across the political spectrum, including those on the left. Despite this, many on the left are furious, with Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a prominent figure from the radical France Unbowed party, leading calls for “the most powerful mobilisation possible” in national marches.
The interior ministry reported 110,000 protesters nationwide, including 26,000 in Paris, though protest leaders claimed higher numbers. Around 130 demonstrations were planned, with the largest in Paris, where Mélenchon addressed the crowd from a float bearing the slogan: “For democracy, stop Macron’s coup.”
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The protests center around accusations of a “denial of democracy” and a “stolen election,” with left-wing parties criticizing Macron’s decision to reject their candidate, Lucie Castets, arguing she had no chance of surviving a confidence vote in the National Assembly. Barnier, however, may have better chances of surviving such a vote, as the far-right National Rally has indicated they won’t automatically oppose him, leading to concerns that his government could be reliant on far-right support.
While the protests continued, Barnier spent the afternoon visiting a children’s hospital in Paris, emphasizing the importance of public services but cautioning that his government “is not going to perform miracles.” As he works on forming a new government, Barnier reported positive and energetic discussions with leaders from the right-wing Republicans and the president’s centrist Ensemble group.
Some left-wing figures have reflected on their role in Barnier’s appointment, with Socialist Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo noting that former Socialist Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve was considered for the position but was ultimately rejected by his own party. Another Socialist Mayor, Karim Bouamrane, criticized parts of the left alliance for their rigid stance, stating, “The path they chose was 100% or nothing – and here we are with nothing.”
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