Thousands Protest in France Against New Prime Minister Michel Barnier

France has been gripped by tension and unrest following the appointment of Michel Barnier as Prime Minister.

Paris, Francis – Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across France on Saturday to protest against the appointment of Michel Barnier as the country’s new prime minister.

The protests, organized by left-wing groups, were sparked by what many see as a “power grab” by President Emmanuel Macron.

In Paris, police estimated around 26,000 people gathered, while organizers claimed a much higher turnout, with protests spreading to 150 locations across the country, including major cities like Nantes, Nice, Marseille, and Strasbourg.

Protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with Macron’s decision to appoint Barnier, a 73-year-old center-right figure and former EU Brexit negotiator, just two months after contentious legislative elections.

Macron’s centrist alliance came in second during the July elections, and Barnier’s appointment on September 5, 2024, has fueled anger among left-wing parties, who accuse the president of ignoring the electorate’s wishes. Left-wing coalitions, which have become the largest political force in the legislature, had hoped for the appointment of Lucie Castets, a 37-year-old economist. However, Macron dismissed this possibility, arguing Castets would not survive a confidence vote in the hung parliament.

At the Place de la Nation in Paris, a protester held a placard reading “Kings are beheaded,” reflecting the anger felt by many at Macron’s decision. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the hard-left France Unbowed party (LFI), a prominent figure in the left-wing coalition, claimed the election had been “stolen” and called for continued resistance. “Democracy isn’t just about accepting victory, it’s also about having the humility to accept defeat,” Mélenchon said.

Protester Manon Bonijol, 21, expressed disillusionment, stating, “The Fifth Republic is collapsing. Voting is pointless as long as Macron remains in power.” Others, like project manager Alexandra Germain, 44, voiced frustration, saying, “Protesting is the only way I can express my disagreement, even though I know it won’t change anything.”

Barnier has promised to form a government that includes members from across the political spectrum, including those from the left. However, many left-wing figures remain skeptical. Leading LFI figure Mathilde Panot claimed that 160,000 people protested in Paris and 300,000 nationwide.

Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), has indicated that her party will not join Barnier’s government, instead waiting for his first policy speech before deciding whether to support him. Jordan Bardella, RN’s party leader, warned that Barnier was “a prime minister under surveillance.”

Barnier, responding to the criticisms, stated, “I am under the surveillance of all French citizens,” emphasizing his responsibility to the people rather than any political faction.

Michel Barnier faces a daunting task as he prepares to present the 2025 budget by early October, needing to skillfully navigate a fragmented National Assembly and appease the influential far-right National Rally to stave off a potential motion of no confidence and maintain his government’s stability.