PARIS—Thousands of protesters across France demonstrated on Saturday against President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint Michel Barnier, a centre-right politician and former EU Brexit negotiator, as prime minister. Critics, including leftist political groups, accused Macron of disregarding the recent election results.
Barnier’s appointment on Thursday followed a two-month search after Macron’s call for a legislative election resulted in a hung parliament. The 73-year-old Barnier, now prime minister, faced immediate backlash from those who felt his appointment ignored the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance, which led the polls in July.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, spoke to protesters in eastern Paris, emphasizing that democracy involves both accepting victory and acknowledging defeat. Organizers claimed around 300,000 people protested nationwide, including 160,000 in Paris. However, police estimates suggested about 26,000 in the capital.
Barnier, on his first official visit as prime minister, addressed concerns about the public health sector at a Paris hospital. He expressed hope for improvements but admitted he could not perform “miracles.” He has expressed intentions to include members from various political backgrounds in his government.
Barnier faces the challenge of implementing reforms and presenting the 2025 budget while contending with a potential no-confidence vote in early October. The left fears his leadership may lead to significant public spending cuts and stricter immigration policies.
Protesters in 130 locations carried signs condemning Macron and calling for his impeachment. Jeanne Schmitt, a 45-year-old civil servant in Paris, criticized Barnier for lacking “social conscience” and compared his government to previous administrations.
A survey by pollster Elabe revealed that 74% of French citizens felt Macron ignored the election results, with 55% believing he had “stolen” the election. Barnier continued consultations on Saturday, working to form a government amid the threat of a no-confidence vote, with the National Rally (RN) and the NFP holding a parliamentary majority that could potentially unseat him. RN leader Jordan Bardella noted that Barnier’s appointment is “under surveillance” and that “nothing can be done without us.”
