On Saturday, large-scale protests erupted across France as citizens expressed their discontent with President Emmanuel Macron’s recent decision to appoint centre-right politician Michel Barnier as the country’s new prime minister.
The protests, organised primarily by left-wing parties, accuse Macron of ignoring the electoral results from July, in which the New Popular Front (NFP) coalition, a leftist alliance, emerged as the top vote-getter. The demonstrations occurred in 130 cities and towns, with protestors voicing their frustration over what they see as a denial of democracy.
The Political Backdrop
The protests follow Macron’s appointment of 73-year-old Barnier, a conservative and former European Union Brexit negotiator, as prime minister on Thursday. This move came after a two-month search for a suitable candidate following a hung parliament result in the July elections. Macron’s failure to secure a majority has left the political landscape in France fragile, and Barnier’s appointment has done little to quell the unrest.
Barnier, a member of the centre-right Les Républicains party, was selected despite his party holding fewer than 50 seats in parliament, making it only the fifth-largest bloc. The left-wing New Popular Front, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed (LFI), contends that Macron’s decision to bypass their candidate amounts to an undermining of the democratic process. In response, Mélenchon rallied protesters in Paris, stating, “Democracy is not only the art of knowing how to accept victory, but the humility to accept defeat.”
Nationwide Protests
The demonstrations saw around 300,000 people taking to the streets across the country, according to organisers, with approximately 160,000 of them gathering in Paris. However, the Paris police reported lower attendance figures, estimating around 26,000 participants. Demonstrators carried banners denouncing Macron’s actions, accusing him of betraying the electorate and calling for his impeachment.
One protester, Jeanne Schmitt, a civil servant in Paris, voiced her concerns, saying, “Barnier has no social conscience and will constitute a government which will be in the same line as the previous ones. That is enough now.” This sentiment resonated widely, as many fear that Barnier’s government will continue to pursue austerity measures and a tougher stance on immigration, two issues that have fuelled discontent among France’s left-wing factions.
A Divisive Prime Minister
Barnier faces a difficult road ahead as he works to form a government without a clear parliamentary majority. His appointment is seen as an attempt by Macron to build a centrist government that could include members of his own camp, along with some conservatives and leftists. However, Barnier’s chances of successfully forming a stable government are uncertain, with the threat of a no-confidence vote looming in October.
Barnier’s first official visit as prime minister was to a Paris hospital, where he addressed the worsening condition of the public health sector, a major point of contention for many French citizens. Speaking to reporters, he stated, “Without carrying out miracles, we can make improvements,” acknowledging the challenges ahead while attempting to project optimism. However, with the 2025 budget to present and significant reforms required, Barnier faces an uphill battle.
Accusations of Election Fraud
The left-wing coalition’s discontent is rooted in what they view as a blatant disregard for the electoral outcome. Polls reflect this growing sentiment among the French populace. A recent survey conducted by pollster Elabe revealed that 74% of French citizens believe Macron has disregarded the results of the elections, with 55% going as far as to say that he “stole” the election.
This perception of an undemocratic process has galvanised support for the left-wing protests, and Mélenchon has called for a “long battle” to challenge Macron’s legitimacy. The protesters argue that Macron’s decision to appoint Barnier, whose party performed poorly in the elections, is an affront to the electorate and indicative of a deeper crisis in French democracy.
A Government Under Surveillance
Barnier’s task is further complicated by the opposition he faces from both ends of the political spectrum. While the left has mounted a vocal challenge, the far-right National Rally (RN), led by Jordan Bardella, has also positioned itself as a potential disruptor. Although the RN has given tacit approval to Barnier’s appointment, it has made it clear that it will closely monitor his actions. Bardella remarked, “He is a prime minister under surveillance. Nothing can be done without us.”
The RN holds significant power as a kingmaker in the current political climate. Should they decide to collaborate with the left, Barnier could face a no-confidence vote that would jeopardise his premiership. The delicate balancing act that Barnier must perform highlights the fragility of the political situation in France.
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