Paris: Over 100,000 left-wing demonstrators took to the streets across France to protest President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint Michel Barnier as the country’s new prime minister. The interior ministry reported a turnout of 110,000 nationwide, with 26,000 protesters in Paris alone, though left-wing leaders claimed that the total was closer to 300,000. The protests spread to cities such as Nantes, Nice, Marseille, and Strasbourg.
Macron’s choice of Barnier, a former foreign minister and the EU’s Brexit negotiator, as prime minister has been met with strong opposition from left-wing factions. The left had backed Lucie Castets, a younger economist, for the role, but Macron rejected her nomination, citing concerns over gaining a confidence vote in a divided parliament. Demonstrators, including hard-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, accused Macron of consolidating power and “stealing” the recent election, urging continued protests.
As France faces political gridlock, Barnier, who is tasked with managing critical issues such as the budget and healthcare, faces scrutiny from both sides. Protesters voiced their frustration, with many calling for Macron’s resignation and the end of the Fifth Republic, highlighting the political tensions in the country.
Barnier, who will oversee the budget, security, immigration, and healthcare, acknowledged the scrutiny he faces, noting, “I am under the surveillance of all French people.” With only minority support in the National Assembly, Barnier’s immediate challenge is to present the 2025 budget by early October, while navigating a fragmented legislature and potential no-confidence motions.
