Thousands Protest in France Against Macron’s Prime Minister Appointment

By John Irish

PARIS (Reuters) – On Saturday, thousands took to the streets across France to protest President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint center-right politician Michel Barnier as prime minister. Leftist parties accused Macron of ignoring the will of the electorate following the recent elections.

Macron appointed the 73-year-old Barnier, known as a conservative and the former chief Brexit negotiator for the European Union, as prime minister on Thursday, concluding a two-month search after his legislative election efforts resulted in a hung parliament.

"Democracy is not only the art of knowing how to accept victory, but the humility to accept defeat," declared Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the far-left France Unbowed party (LFI), to the crowd at the beginning of the march in eastern Paris. "I call on you to undertake a long battle."

The protest organizers claimed around 300,000 people took part across the country, including 160,000 in Paris. However, police in the capital reported only 26,000 participants. The Interior Ministry had yet to release a nationwide estimate, which typically tends to be lower than those provided by organizers.

Meanwhile, Barnier visited a Paris hospital, marking his first official engagement. The declining state of the public health sector has been a major concern among citizens demanding prompt action after months of delays. "Without carrying out miracles, we can make improvements," Barnier stated to reporters, despite lacking a clear majority in parliament.

He expressed intentions to include conservatives, members of Macron’s camp, and some leftists in his future government. However, he faces the significant challenge of pursuing reforms and passing the 2025 budget amidst the looming threat of a no-confidence vote when he presents his policy objectives to parliament in early October.

The political environment in France is under scrutiny from the European Commission and bond markets, which are urging the government to reduce its deficit. The left, led by the LFI, has accused Macron of undermining democracy by not selecting the candidate from the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance, which secured the most votes in July.

Barnier’s center-right Les Republicains party holds a minor position in parliament with fewer than 50 lawmakers, leading the left to believe that his government will implement significant spending cuts and adopt a stricter immigration stance. Demonstrators gathered at 130 locations across the country, expressing their discontent and calling for Macron’s impeachment.

"He (Barnier) has no social conscience and will form a government similar to the previous ones. That’s enough," said civil servant Jeanne Schmitt, 45, during the Paris protest.

A recent Elabe survey indicated that 74% of French citizens felt Macron disregarded election results, with 55% believing he had "stolen" them.

As Barnier continued consultations to form his government on Saturday, he faced a potential no-confidence vote. The NFP and the far-right National Rally (RN) together hold a majority and could challenge Barnier’s government if they choose to collaborate.

The RN has signaled conditional support for Barnier, positioning itself as a crucial player in the new government. "He is a prime minister under surveillance," stated RN leader Jordan Bardella. "Nothing can be done without us."