Why Are People Protesting Barnier's Appointment?
On Saturday, more than 100,000 people protested Michel Barnier’s appointment by gathering on the streets throughout France. Following an indecisive election in which the left-wing group the New Popular Front (NPF) emerged with the most seats, this large-scale rally responded to President Emmanuel Macron’s choice.
Trade unions and NPF members coordinated the demonstrations because they were furious about the rejection of their prime minister candidate. Renowned center-right politician Michel Barnier, former EU Brexit negotiator, has indicated openness to creating a cabinet incorporating left-leaning lawmakers from all walks of life. Still, his appointment has caused significant debate and disturbance.
What Are the Numbers and Claims About the Protests?
The Interior Ministry claims that some 110,000 individuals participated in the countrywide demonstrations on Saturday; 26,000 rallied in Paris. One protest organizer, however, said the attendance was as high as 300,000. Veteran firebrand from the radical France Unbowed party, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, encouraged followers by urging the “most powerful mobilization possible” in nationwide marches. There were about 130 demonstrations arranged, the biggest one starting in the afternoon from downtown Paris.
Joining the Paris demonstration, Mélenchon spoke fervently from the rear of a float bearing the message, “For democracy, stop Macron’s coup.” Reflecting their discontent with the political process and the apparent disrespect for their democratic will, the protestors yelled chants such as “denial of democracy” and “stolen election”.
Why Is the Left-Wing Bloc Discontent?
The core of the displeasure is that President Macron chose Barnier instead of Lucie Castets, the nominee of the left-wing group. Macron had said Castets would not be likely to withstand a vote of confidence in the National Assembly. Many on the left feel as though their democratic decision was ignored.
“We have a prime minister dependent on National Rally,” Castets said, expressing worries about Barnier’s capacity to rule properly given his possible reliance on the far-right National Rally party, which also obtained a significant number of seats in the election. This has prompted complaints that far-right ideas would unduly shape Barnier’s cabinet.
How Is Barnier Responding, and What Is His Plan?
Reacting to the mass demonstrations, Barnier visited a children’s hospital in Paris Saturday afternoon. Emphasizing the value of public services, he also cautioned healthcare professionals that his administration “is not going to perform miracles.” Barnier is concentrating on building a new government among the demonstrations and has visited officials from the right-wing Republicans and the president’s centrist Ensemble party.
Barnier said the conversations were “very well” and labeled them “full of energy.” His strategy seeks to build a government capable of negotiating the political terrain, balancing several often incompatible interests.
What Is the Internal Criticism from the Left?
Some on the left have started considering their part in the present political environment among the turbulence. Mayor Anne Hidalgo of Socialist Paris pointed out that although President Macron first considered former Socialist prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve for the post, he finally picked Barnier after Cazeneuve’s party rejected him. Hidalgo said internal party politics could have swayed this choice more than strategic factors.
Saying, “The path they chose was 100% or nothing – and here we are with nothing,” another socialist mayor, Karim Bouamrane, attacked the strategy of the left-wing alliance. This attitude reflects the annoyance among left-wing groups at their inability to guarantee their chosen candidate and consequent loss of authority.
While France works through these political changes, Barnier’s government’s future must be discovered. The continuous demonstrations and political wrangles highlight the sharp differences in French politics and the difficulties negotiating a fractured political terrain.
