Protests erupt across France against Macron’s PM appointment

Mass demonstrations by supporters of left-wing parties have erupted across France.

Protesters are voicing their opposition to President Emmanuel Macron’s decision not to appoint a candidate from the New Popular Front (NPF) coalition as prime minister and are calling for his resignation, Caliber.Az reports via French media.

The initial protests have commenced in cities such as Nantes, Le Mans, and Nice. Demonstrators accuse Macron of orchestrating a “coup d'état” and “stealing the elections” from the French public.

Macron’s rejection of the NPF coalition’s program has sparked widespread outrage. Despite the fact that the coalition parties won more seats in Parliament collectively than both Macron’s presidential bloc and the right-wing “National Rally,” Macron chose to appoint Michel Barnier, a representative of the centre-right “Republicans,” as the new prime minister. This choice has further angered the left, given that Barnier’s party finished in fourth place in the early parliamentary elections of summer 2024.

A total of 130 to 150 demonstrations are planned throughout France, including in Paris, involving individual politicians, party activists, and various student and youth organizations.

The New Popular Front (NPF) and the far-right National Rally (RN) together hold a parliamentary majority and could potentially challenge Barnier through a no-confidence vote if they coordinate their efforts. The RN has expressed conditional support for Barnier, making it a pivotal player in the new government. RN leader Jordan Bardella remarked on Saturday, “He is a prime minister under surveillance. Nothing can be done without us.”