Protests sweep France as Macron appoints Barnier PM
2 Min Read
Macron named Barnier, a 73-year-old conservative and former Brexit negotiator, to lead the government, following a two-month search after the election led to a hung parliament.
-
Protester holds a banner reading "Macron is a danger to the Republic and Democracy," September 7, 2024 (@le_Parisien)
Thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday, objecting to President Emmanuel Macron's controversial decision to appoint center-right Michel Barnier as prime minister.
The move has sparked outrage among left-wing parties, which accused Macron of ignoring the results of the legislative election, where the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance, a coalition of left-wing parties, came out on top.
More than 600 people demonstrate in Chambéry, France, against the appointment of Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/5926Na7t6W
— War Watch (@WarWatchs) September 7, 2024
Despite this, Macron named Barnier, a 73-year-old conservative and former Brexit negotiator, to lead the government, following a two-month search after the election led to a hung parliament.
Barnier's appointment was criticized as undemocratic by the left, with the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party leading calls for mass protests.
Read more: France Insoumise to hold mass rally over Macron's government exclusion
Demonstrations were held in over 130 locations across France, and unions and student bodies signaled further action, including possible strikes set for October 1.
Polling conducted by Elabe showed that 74% of French citizens believed Macron had disregarded the election results, with 55% accusing him of "stealing" the election.
In his first interview as prime minister, Barnier indicated that his government would include conservatives, members of Macron's camp, and potentially some from the left.
However, his position is precarious, as both the left-wing NFP and the far-right National Rally (RN) could join forces to pass a no-confidence vote and oust him, given their combined majority in parliament.
Read more: Michel Barnier named new French PM after two month political deadlock
The RN, meanwhile, has positioned itself as a potential kingmaker, giving tacit approval for Barnier's leadership under specific conditions.
RN leader Jordan Bardella described Barnier as "a prime minister under surveillance," stating that nothing could be done without the RN's support.
The new government will face significant challenges, including driving reforms and passing the 2025 budget amid pressure from the European Commission to reduce France's deficit.
