Massive Protests Erupt Across France

On Saturday, over 100,000 people took to the streets across France to protest against President Emmanuel Macron’s appointment of Michel Barnier as the new prime minister. Barnier, a centre-right politician and former EU Brexit negotiator, was chosen following an inconclusive election where the left-wing bloc, the New Popular Front (NPF), secured the largest number of seats in the National Assembly.

Trade Unions and Left-Wing Outrage

The protests were spearheaded by trade unions and members of the NPF, who expressed fury over Macron’s rejection of their candidate, Lucie Castets, for the prime minister position. According to the Interior Ministry, around 110,000 protesters demonstrated nationwide, with 26,000 in Paris alone, although protest leaders have claimed that the total turnout was closer to 300,000. The demonstrations spanned 130 locations, with the largest march taking place in central Paris.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s Call for Mobilization

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the France Unbowed party and a prominent figure in the left-wing movement, was among the key voices at the protest. He called for the “most powerful mobilisation possible”, accusing Macron of orchestrating a “coup” against democracy. Mélenchon’s message resonated with slogans such as “denial of democracy” and “stolen election”, reflecting the left’s discontent with Barnier’s appointment and Macron’s alleged disregard for their electoral success.

Why the Left is Angry

The heart of the controversy lies in Macron’s rejection of Lucie Castets as the potential prime minister. The left argues that Castets, as the leader of the largest bloc, should have been considered. However, Macron dismissed her candidacy, stating that she lacked the support necessary to survive a confidence vote in the National Assembly. This has further inflamed tensions, with Barnier facing criticism for potentially relying on support from the far-right National Rally, raising concerns about the ideological makeup of his government.

Barnier’s Response Amidst the Protests

While protests raged, Barnier maintained a calm front, visiting a children’s hospital in Paris and emphasizing the importance of public services. During his visit, he acknowledged that his government would not perform “miracles” but stressed his commitment to public welfare. Despite the growing unrest, Barnier remains focused on the formation of a new government.

Ongoing Political Negotiations

The new prime minister has been engaged in talks with key political players, including leaders from the right-wing Republicans and Macron’s centrist Ensemble group. According to Barnier, these discussions have been productive and “full of energy”, as he seeks to build a coalition that can govern effectively. However, the left-wing bloc’s frustration remains high, with some acknowledging internal divisions that may have contributed to Barnier’s rise to power.

Divisions Within the Left

Several voices from the left have expressed regret over the situation. Anne Hidalgo, Socialist Mayor of Paris, noted that Macron had considered Bernard Cazeneuve, a former Socialist prime minister, for the role, but his candidacy was ultimately rejected by his own party. Karim Bouamrane, another Socialist Mayor, criticized parts of the left for their uncompromising stance, which he believes led to their current predicament.

Conclusion: Political Deadlock and Social Tension

As Michel Barnier continues to navigate the challenging task of forming a stable government, France remains in a state of political deadlock. The massive protests highlight the deep dissatisfaction with Macron’s decision, while divisions within the left have only added to the complexity of the situation. How Barnier handles the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether his government can gain the necessary support to move forward. Meanwhile, the protests serve as a potent reminder of the political and social tensions simmering beneath the surface in France.