Thousands protest in France against new prime minister

Thousands of left-wing demonstrators took to the streets across France on Saturday to protest against the appointment of centre-right Michel Barnier as prime minister, accusing President Emmanuel Macron of a “power grab.”

Police reported that around 26,000 people participated in the Paris demonstration, while left-wing groups claimed a much higher turnout.

Smaller protests occurred in cities across France, including Nantes in the west, Nice and Marseille in the south, and Strasbourg in the east.

Macron appointed Barnier, a 73-year-old former foreign minister and the EU’s Brexit negotiator, as prime minister on Thursday, following July’s snap elections in which his centrist alliance came second.

Barnier said on Friday that he was open to appointing ministers from across the political spectrum, including “people from the left.”

However, the left-wing coalition, which became the largest political force after the June-July elections, though without an overall majority, expressed dismay at Macron’s choice of Barnier.

The left-wing bloc had preferred Lucie Castets, a 37-year-old economist, as prime minister, but Macron dismissed the idea, arguing that she would not survive a confidence vote in the hung parliament.

Many demonstrators voiced their frustration with Macron, with some calling for his resignation.

‘Old elephant’ –

“The Fifth Republic is collapsing,” said protester Manon Bonijol.

“Voting is pointless as long as Macron remains in power,” added the 21-year-old.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the hard-left France Unbowed party (LFI), which is part of the left-wing coalition, has claimed that the election was “stolen from the French” and urged people to take to the streets.

On Saturday, he encouraged his supporters to prepare for ongoing resistance.

“There will be no break,” he promised.

“Democracy isn’t just about accepting victory, it’s also about having the humility to accept defeat,” Mélenchon said at the protestProject manager Alexandra Germain, 44, accused Macron of disregarding the voters’ wishes.

“Protesting is the only way I can express my disagreement, even though I know it won’t change anything,” said Germain.

Abel Couaillier, a 20-year-old student, said he was shocked by Barnier’s appointment, calling him an “old elephant.”

“I’m still young, and I want to believe we can change things,” Couaillier added.

Leading LFI figure Mathilde Panot claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that 160,000 people protested in Paris and 300,000 across France.

Police reported that five people were detained in Paris.

‘Under surveillance’ –

Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN) in parliament, said her party would not join the new cabinet and would wait for Barnier’s first policy speech in parliament before deciding on their support.

RN party leader Jordan Bardella, who had hoped to be the next prime minister, said the far-right would scrutinise Barnier’s actions closely.

“Mr Barnier is a prime minister under surveillance,” said Bardella, 28.

Barnier responded, stating his responsibility was to the French people, not just the far-right.

“I am under the surveillance of all French citizens,” Barnier said during a visit to Necker Children’s Hospital in Paris.

Barnier will oversee the budget, security, immigration, and healthcare, and must account for the National Rally, the largest single party in a divided legislature, to avoid a motion of no confidence.

With limited support in the Assembly, Barnier’s immediate challenge will be to present the 2025 budget by early October.