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Far-right leader Marine Le Pen urged President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday to hold a referendum on critical national issues, including immigration, as France faces political deadlock following the June-July snap elections that did not give any set party a legislative majority.

The political tension intensified last week when Macron appointed 73-year-old Michel Barnier, a former foreign minister and European Union's Brexit negotiator, as the new prime minister. However, Barnier's position is seen as precarious, as his government depends heavily on support from Le Pen's National Rally (RN), the largest party in the National Assembly.

Despite RN's position in parliament, Le Pen has rejected the idea of joining Macron's government. In a speech from the northern town of Henin-Beaumont, she stated, "The RN will unreservedly support any approach aimed at giving people the power to decide directly."

She emphasized the need for a referendum on key issues, suggesting this could be a way to address the current political instability.

Growing opposition

Barnier's appointment has not been without backlash. Over 100,000 left-wing demonstrators took to the streets across France on Saturday, protesting Macron's nomination of Barnier and accusing the president of orchestrating a "power grab."

The left-wing coalition, which now represents the largest bloc in parliament, though lacking an outright majority, has also threatened to challenge Barnier with a no-confidence motion. His appointment was criticized as undemocratic by the left, with the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party leading calls for mass protests.

The coalition had proposed Lucie Castets, a 37-year-old economist, as a potential prime minister. However, Macron dismissed the suggestion, arguing that she would not survive a confidence vote in the hung parliament.

Demonstrations were held in over 130 locations across France, and unions and student bodies signaled further action, including possible strikes set for October 1.

Le Pen has vowed to closely scrutinize Barnier's actions, warning that any mistreatment of the French people could lead to her party initiating a censure motion against the government. She also predicted that France would face new legislative elections within a year, stating, "France needs a clear majority."

Meanwhile, public sentiment towards Barnier's appointment is divided. According to a recent Ifop poll, 52% of respondents expressed satisfaction with Barnier as prime minister. Despite this, 74% of those surveyed believe his tenure will be short-lived, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding France's political future.

Who is Michel Barnier?

The 73-year-old has a long political career, carrying out senior duties in both France and the European Union.

1978 - Elected to parliament aged 27, representing the centre-right Savoie district.

1993-95 - Appointed as environment minister

1995-97 - Became France's Europe minister

1999-2004 - EU regional policy commissioner, responsible for grants and subsidies accounting for a third of the Union's budget

2004-05 - Became France's foreign minister

2007-09 - Assumed the role of agriculture minister

2010-14 - Became EU commissioner for internal markets and services, leading negotiations concerning extensive new regulation of financial markets following the global crash

2016 - EU's Brexit negotiator after the UK's exit from the bloc, leading talks with its government until 2019

2021 - Failed to obtain nomination as the conservative, right-wing Republicans (LR) party for the 2022 presidential election, which sought to limit and control immigration