Paris (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Protests across France are set to take place against the designation of Michel Barnier as the country’s new prime minister.
Thousands of people took to the roads across France on Saturday, September 7 to oppose President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to designate centre-right politician Michel Barnier as prime minister, with left-wing parties blaming Macron for ignoring the results of the recent legislative elections.
Macron called Barnier, a 73-year-old conservative and the European Union’s ex-Brexit negotiator, as PM on Thursday, September 5 after a two-month hunt. The decision followed a legislative election that resulted in a hung parliament, divided into three significant blocs.
How Has Macron’s Choice of Barnier Sparked Nationwide Protests?
Barnier’s appointment has flared backlash, particularly from the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party and the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance, which came out in the leading position in the July vote. Left-wing leaders blamed Macron for a “denial of democracy” by choosing Barnier over the NFP’s candidate.
Why Do Left-Wing Parties Accuse Macron of Ignoring Election Results?
A poll executed by Elabe on Friday revealed that 74 percent of French citizens think Macron disregarded the election results, and 55 percent think he “stole” the election by setting Barnier, whose Les Républicains party carries only a small share of seats in parliament.
Protests scheduled by left-wing parties, unions, and student groups exploded in cities across the country, with 130 demonstrations noted. The protests are expected to persist, with unions risking further action, including potential strikes set for October 1.
How Will Barnier Navigate the Political Challenges with a Divided Parliament?
Barnier, in his first discussion on TV as prime minister, expressed his government would include members from Macron’s camp, conservatives, and potentially some from the left. However, his job of governing may prove problematic as he lacks a clear majority in parliament.
What Role Will the National Rally Play in Barnier’s Premiership?
The far-right National Rally (RN) party, which carries a significant number of seats, has appeared as a key player. While RN leader Jordan Bardella showed the party may not immediately move for a no-confidence vote against Barnier, he cautioned that the new prime minister was “under surveillance” and that nothing could be achieved without the RN’s support. With an acute 2025 budget proposal due in early October and stress from the European Commission to lower France’s deficit, Barnier’s ability to guide the political landscape will be tested in the coming weeks.
