Tens of thousands of people across France are demonstrating against the nomination of Michel Barnier, a right-wing figure, as the new Prime Minister following an inconclusive election. The left-wing parties, which won the most seats but had their candidate rejected by President Emmanuel Macron, are leading the protests.
Major cities including Paris, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, and Strasbourg are witnessing large-scale demonstrations. The protests have been organized by trade unions and left-wing political parties who are dismayed by Macron’s decision to bypass their chosen candidate for the role.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a prominent figure from the radical France Unbowed party, has called for extensive national marches, urging “the most powerful mobilisation possible.” He joined the protest in Paris, delivering a speech from a float adorned with the slogan: “For democracy, stop Macron’s coup.” Demonstrators are voicing their frustration with slogans like “denial of democracy” and “stolen election.”
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The left-wing parties are particularly upset that their prime ministerial candidate, Lucie Castets, was not selected. Macron cited concerns about Castets’ ability to secure a confidence vote in the National Assembly. There are also concerns that Barnier’s government may rely on the far-right National Rally, which won a significant number of seats, further fueling criticism.
Barnier, who has a background as the EU’s former Brexit negotiator, has stated his willingness to collaborate with politicians from across the political spectrum, including those on the left. On Saturday, he visited a children’s hospital in Paris to emphasize the importance of public services, though he noted that his government would “not perform miracles,” according to local reports.
In the midst of these protests, Barnier is focused on forming a new government. After positive discussions with leaders from the right-wing Republicans and the centrist Ensemble group, he expressed that the talks were progressing well.
Some on the left are reflecting on their role in the current situation. Socialist Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo noted that while Macron had considered former Socialist Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve for the position, he was rejected by his own party. Another Socialist Mayor, Karim Bouamrane, attributed the outcome to rigid positions within the left alliance, stating, “The path they chose was 100% or nothing – and here we are with nothing.”
(Includes inputs from online sources)
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