Demonstrations are sweeping across France in response to Michel Barnier’s recent appointment as the new Prime Minister.
The protests, organized by leftist political groups, stem from the rejection of their candidate for the PM role by President Emmanuel Macron.
President Macron appointed Barnier, a former EU Brexit negotiator, following a parliamentary stalemate that left three significant political blocs—despite the left being the largest—incapable of forming a governing majority.
In a televised address, Barnier, aligned with the center-right, expressed his willingness to create a government that includes members from the left.
Despite Barnier’s collaborative approach, his political survival could hinge on support from the far-right party, which has made it clear they won’t participate in his administration.
Just one day after taking office, Barnier began the government formation process following discussions with President Macron.
After meetings with leaders of the Republicans and Macron’s centrist coalition, he described the talks as productive and energetic.
During a Friday interview, Barnier reiterated his openness to selecting ministers from various political backgrounds, explicitly mentioning potential collaborators from the left.
Leftist parties are expressing outrage over the dismissal of their candidate, Lucie Castets, highlighted by her lack of viability in securing a vote of confidence in the National Assembly.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a prominent leader of the far-left movement, has called for national marches, urging “significant mobilization.” Unions and youth organizations are expected to join the protests.
“We have a Prime Minister entirely reliant on the National Rally,” said Castets, expressing feelings of betrayal on behalf of millions of French voters. She avowed that Macron’s actions effectively aligned his government with far-right interests.
Barnier, entering the Prime Minister’s residence on the previous Friday, pledged to confront the “challenges, anger, suffering, and feelings of injustice” affecting numerous communities across the nation.
In a statement to a major news outlet, he emphasized addressing crucial national issues, including pension reform, immigration, and economic stability.
Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal remarked that his centrist faction is open to forming a broad collaboration with both the republican right and left, without seeking to obstruct or provide unconditional support for Barnier.
Barnier is backed by the Republicans, though party leader Laurent Wauquiez indicated that decisions on their support will hinge on Barnier’s governance strategy: “For now, nothing has been settled.”
Some leftists believe the responsibility for Barnier’s appointment rests with their own strategic decisions.
Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo noted that Macron had considered former Socialist Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve for the role but was turned down by his party.
Another Socialist official, Karim Bouamrane, criticized other factions of the left for their rigidity, stating, “The path they chose was 100% or nothing – and here we are with nothing.”
National Rally leaders have signalled they will not join Barnier’s government, opting instead to assess his policies before determining their stance in a confidence vote.
Leftist factions threaten a confidence vote; however, without the support of the far right, they lack the capacity to unseat Barnier.
“He has never alienated us; he is a man ready for discussion,” remarked Marine Le Pen, suggesting a willingness to allow Barnier to continue his term.
Without the backing of her party, Barnier would struggle to secure the necessary votes in the National Assembly, relying solely on support from centrists and Republicans.
