Thousands of left-wing demonstrators took to the streets across France on Saturday, voicing their discontent over President Emmanuel Macron’s appointment of conservative Michel Barnier as the new prime minister. The decision, made two months after a snap general election resulted in a hung parliament, has sparked accusations of a “denial of democracy,” particularly from the New Popular Front (NFP), a left-wing coalition that secured the most MPs in the election.
🇫🇷PROTESTS AGAINST MACRON ERUPT ACROSS FRANCE
Thousands of protesters across France are accusing Macron of stealing the election by appointing center-right politician Michel Barnier as Prime Minister.
Source: The Guardian#France #Macron #Protest pic.twitter.com/5tsWmF2sLx
— Indian Observer (@ag_Journalist) September 7, 2024
The protests, largely driven by France Unbowed (LFI), the dominant group within the NFP, represent the opening salvo in what could be weeks of demonstrations. While Barnier, a former EU Brexit negotiator and long-time conservative politician, is working to form a cross-party government, protesters accuse Macron of ignoring the will of the people by sidelining the NFP’s choice for prime minister, Lucie Castets.
Despite the unrest, Barnier has expressed a willingness to include members of the NFP in his administration, stating that his goal is to build a government that can stabilize France’s fractured political landscape. However, many on the left remain skeptical, with LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon accusing Macron of “stealing the election.”
Protests erupt in France after Macron picks Barnier as PM#ARYNewshttps://t.co/bXk6wT6qX2
— ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) September 7, 2024
Barnier’s appointment marks the culmination of a two-month search for a prime minister, during which Macron interviewed several candidates, including Castets. Macron ultimately ruled out her nomination, citing her inability to garner cross-party support.
As the protests continue, Barnier faces the daunting task of navigating a highly divided National Assembly, where the far-right National Rally (RN) has positioned itself as a key player. While the RN has kept a low profile in recent weeks, its leader, Jordan Bardella, has signaled that his party could play a decisive role in determining the fate of Barnier’s government.
Key Points:
i. Left-wing protests erupted across France after President Macron appointed conservative Michel Barnier as prime minister.
ii. Demonstrators, led by France Unbowed, accused Macron of ignoring the election results and undermining democracy.
iii. Macron’s decision came after a snap election resulted in a hung parliament with no majority, leading to a fractured political landscape.
iv. Barnier has expressed a willingness to include left-wing voices in his government, but tensions remain high.
v. The far-right National Rally could emerge as a kingmaker in future parliamentary votes, adding to the political uncertainty.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
