French Left Calls for Mass Protests Over Macron’s Right-Wing Prime Minister Choice

TL/DR –

The French left has called for mass protests in several towns and cities following President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint right-wing politician Michel Barnier as prime minister, despite the left’s victory in a tumultuous election in July. A survey suggested that 74% of French people felt Macron had disregarded the election results with his appointment and 55% believed he had stolen the election. The New Popular Front coalition, which was formed to counter France’s rising far right and won the majority seats in the National Assembly, feels aggrieved by the appointment and is demanding that Macron respect the election outcome.

French Left-Wing Calls for Protests Following Right-Wing PM Appointment

Following French President Emmanuel Macron’s appointment of a right-wing Primie Minister, Michel Barnier, the French left has called for mass protests across over 130 towns and cities. This decision comes despite the left’s significant victory in France’s most recent elections.

The New Popular Front, a left-wing coalition, upset the odds by winning the most seats in France’s National Assembly. The majority of French voters rejected Macron’s pro-business centrist alliance.

France’s far-right National Rally was expected to win the elections until leftist parties formed an unlikely alliance pushing them into third place, while Macron’s centrists took second. Despite this, Macron appointed right-wing veteran French conservative Michel Barnier.

Macron’s republic has been divided and according to a survey by French pollster, Elabe, 74% of French people believe Macron disregarded election results. Barnier’s appointment is believed to be a power play by Macron to maintain his pro-business conservative influence.

While far-right leaders are yet to support Barnier’s leadership, the left is aggrieved that their electoral success led to the appointment of a right-wing Prime Minister. Calls to protest against Macron’s decision are led by La France Insoumise, France Unbowed.

France, still reeling from protests amid economic instability, is scheduled to host approximately 130 protests this Saturday, with demonstrations in major cities such as Paris’ Bastille.

As PM, Barnier will need to persuade 289 MPs in the 577-seat National Assembly to back his government to survive a vote of confidence. Although the far-right National Rally party won’t be part of Barnier’s administration, its support or dissent will be key to his success.

Barnier’s first weekend in office will be marked by mass protests from a left-wing bloc who consider themselves the rightful winners of the election.

As the Olympic euphoria fades, frustrations with a government accused of disregarding election results and clinging to power are resurfacing.

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