PARIS. Tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets across France on Saturday, opposing President Emmanuel Macron’s appointment of Michel Barnier, a conservative politician and former Brexit negotiator, as the new prime minister. The decision has sparked outrage among left-wing parties, who accuse Macron of undermining the results of recent legislative elections.
Barnier, 73, was named prime minister on Thursday, concluding a two-month search following Macron’s controversial call for legislative elections that resulted in a hung parliament split into three major blocs. The move to appoint a center-right figure has been met with fierce opposition from left-wing groups.
In his first interview as prime minister, Barnier expressed hopes of forming a government that would include conservatives, members of Macron’s centrist party, and potentially some from the left. However, his task is daunting, as his government lacks a clear majority and must address pressing issues such as budget reforms and reducing France’s deficit under the scrutiny of the European Commission and bond markets.
The far-left party France Unbowed (La France Insoumise, LFI), leading the charge against Barnier’s appointment, accused Macron of “denying democracy” by refusing to choose the candidate of the New Popular Front (NFP), a left-wing alliance that emerged as the top vote-getter in the July elections.
“Macron has disregarded the will of the people,” said LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon in a fiery speech. “This appointment is an affront to democracy.” According to a survey published by pollster Elabe, 74% of French citizens feel that Macron has ignored the election results, with 55% believing that he effectively “stole” the election.
In response to the controversy, left-wing leaders, unions, and student groups organized massive protests across France, with over 130 demonstrations taking place nationwide on Saturday. Additional actions, including potential strikes, are planned for October 1.
Meanwhile, Barnier continued consultations on Saturday as he works to form a government amid threats of a no-confidence vote, especially with the urgent 2025 budget proposal due for parliamentary discussion in early October. Both the NFP and the far-right National Rally (RN) could collaborate to oust Barnier, as together they hold a majority in parliament.
The RN, however, hinted that it might refrain from supporting a no-confidence vote, with its leader Jordan Bardella calling Barnier “a prime minister under surveillance.” He added, “Nothing can be done without us,” signaling that RN could play a crucial role in determining the stability of the new government.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
