France Insoumise to hold mass rally over Macron's government exclusion
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The protest is in response to President Emmanuel Macron's actions, which they describe as a "seizure of power" by excluding the left-wing coalition from forming a government, even though the coalition won the elections.
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A far-left member of the France Insoumise (France Unbowed) party speaks at Republique square during a protest against the far-right National Rally party, which came out strongly ahead in first-round legislative elections, Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Paris. (AP)
The French left-wing party La France Insoumise (France Unbowed) announced in a statement on Tuesday that they plan to hold a demonstration on September 7.
The protest is in response to President Emmanuel Macron's actions, which they describe as a "seizure of power" by excluding the left-wing coalition from forming a government, even though the coalition won the elections.
"The president of the Republic is gravely endangering democracy by rejecting the results of the vote and dismissing the government of the members of the New Popular Front, who won the legislative elections. Considering the exceptional gravity of the situation, we urge French society to take decisive action. That is why we join calls from youth organizations, including the Union of Students and the Union of Lyceum Students, to organize a large-scale demonstration against Emmanuel Macron's seizure of power on September 7," the statement read.
Le coup de force ne passera pas.
— Clémence Guetté (@Clemence_Guette) August 27, 2024
Le 7 septembre : mobilisation générale. pic.twitter.com/YAxO75vNw2
On Monday, following consultations with the president, Jordan Bardella, the leader of the right-wing National Unity Party, reaffirmed that their party would consider supporting a vote of no confidence if the new government included members from the left-wing coalition.
Marine Le Pen, the head of the opposition faction in parliament, also called for an extraordinary session of the lower chamber to facilitate an immediate vote of no confidence, rather than waiting until October 1, when the parliament is scheduled to resume its sessions.
Read more: Macron heads right to prevent left from controlling National Assembly
Lucie Castets, the candidate for prime minister from the New Popular Front (NFP), criticized the president's decision, calling it "a rejection of democracy." She argued that "the president cannot create the government he wants," emphasizing that the government's formation should reflect the election results.
Additionally, leaders of some left-wing parties within the coalition have declared their refusal to take part in the planned second round of consultations, asserting that they do not want to participate in what they consider to be "a parody of democracy."
"I consider this a rejection of democracy. I believe President Macron's decision does not align with constitutional principles and democratic values. It is concerning, and yes, I call on everyone to unite and stand against this," Castets said during a broadcast on France Inter radio.
Castets also pointed out that 34 of the 168 lawmakers in President Macron's coalition were elected because candidates from the New Popular Front (NFP) withdrew from the second round of elections at Macron's request.
Although Macron acknowledged this support during a consultation on Friday, he later excluded the NPF from forming a government, despite their 182 seats in the National Assembly, citing the need for "institutional stability."
Read more: Le Pen's 2022 campaign finances under probe by French authorities
