Thousands of left-wing protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday, opposing the appointment of Michel Barnier as the new prime minister, accusing President Emmanuel Macron of orchestrating a “power grab.”
In Paris, police reported that approximately 26,000 demonstrators participated, while left-wing groups claimed a much higher turnout. Protests also occurred in several other cities, including Nantes, Nice, Marseille, and Strasbourg.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the protests followed Macron’s decision to appoint Barnier, a former foreign minister and EU Brexit negotiator, as prime minister after his centrist alliance came second in the July snap elections. Barnier, 73, has said he is open to appointing ministers from across the political spectrum, including the left.
However, the left-wing coalition, which became the largest political force in parliament but fell short of a majority, expressed strong opposition to Barnier’s appointment.
They had hoped for the economist Lucie Castets as prime minister, but Macron rejected her candidacy, citing her inability to survive a confidence vote.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party, rallied his supporters to continue resisting Macron’s decision. “The Fifth Republic is collapsing,” said protester Manon Bonijol, reflecting the widespread frustration with Macron’s leadership.
Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) also criticized Barnier’s appointment, with RN leader Jordan Bardella stating Barnier would be under their close watch.
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Barnier will face immediate challenges, including presenting the 2025 budget by early October, with limited support in a divided National Assembly.
Police arrested five people during the protests in Paris, and tensions remain high as both left-wing and far-right factions prepare for further resistance.
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