Protests sweep France over PM appointment

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across France on Saturday in protest against President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint centre-right politician Michel Barnier as prime minister. Leftist political groups criticised Macron for disregarding the outcome of recent elections.

Macron’s appointment of the 73-year-old Barnier, a conservative and former European Union Brexit negotiator, came on Thursday, following a two-month search after his ill-fated decision to call a legislative election that resulted in a hung parliament.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, addressed protesters at the march in eastern Paris, stating, “Democracy is not just about accepting victory, but also having the humility to accept defeat.”

He encouraged supporters to engage in a prolonged struggle. Organisers claimed that approximately 300,000 people protested peacefully across France, including 160,000 in Paris. However, police estimates suggested that 26,000 people demonstrated in the capital.

The Interior Ministry did not provide a national figure, though its figures are usually lower than those of the organisers.

Barnier, meanwhile, made his first official visit as prime minister, attending a Paris hospital, where he acknowledged the growing concern over the public health sector, a key issue after months of inaction. While he noted he could not perform “miracles,” Barnier expressed hope for improvements.

On Friday, he said he wanted to include conservatives, members of Macron’s party, and some leftists in his government.

However, Barnier faces the challenge of enacting reforms and passing the 2025 budget while under the looming threat of a no-confidence vote in early October when he is scheduled to present his policy agenda to parliament.

The left, led by LFI, has accused Macron of undermining democracy by ignoring the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance, which topped the polls in the July election. Barnier’s centre-right party, Les Républicains, holds fewer than 50 seats in parliament, ranking as the fifth-largest bloc. The left fears Barnier’s leadership will bring deep cuts in public spending and a more rigid immigration policy.

Protesters in 130 locations across the country carried signs condemning Macron’s actions and called for his impeachment.

Jeanne Schmitt, a 45-year-old civil servant attending the Paris march, said Barnier lacks “social conscience” and would lead a government similar to previous administrations, expressing frustration with the status quo.

A survey by pollster Elabe, published on Friday, indicated that 74% of French citizens felt Macron had ignored the election results, with 55% believing he had “stolen” the election.

Barnier continued consultations on Saturday, working to form a government, a delicate task given the possibility of a no-confidence vote. The National Rally (RN) and the NFP together hold a parliamentary majority, potentially enabling them to unseat Barnier if they choose to collaborate.

RN, which gave conditional approval for Barnier’s appointment, holds significant sway over the new government. RN leader Jordan Bardella remarked, “He is a prime minister under surveillance,” adding that “nothing can be done without us.”