Thousands protest against new prime minister in France

French President Emmanuel Macron's appointment of former European Union (EU) Brexit Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier as Prime Minister, following a long-standing political crisis in the country, has drawn significant backlash.

Despite the left-wing alliance finishing first in the election, the appointment of center-right candidate Michel Barnier as prime minister has sparked outrage. Following calls for protests by labor unions and left-wing political parties, thousands of people took to the streets across the country today.

Demonstrations are being held in 130 different locations, including cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Nice.

In the protests, where some demonstrators carried Palestinian flags, slogans such as "denial of democracy" and "stolen election" were chanted.

EARLY ELECTIONS LEADING TO CRISIS

In France, the major success of the far-right National Rally (RN) party in the European Parliament elections led President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve the National Assembly and call for early elections. While the National Rally party, led by a 28-year-old, became the leading party in the first round of early general elections held on June 30, receiving 33.15 percent of the vote, the left-wing New Popular Front alliance—consisting of La France Insoumise (LFI), The Greens (EEVL), the Socialist Party (PS), and the French Communist Party (PCF)—finished the second round held on July 7 in first place. However, no party was able to secure a majority in the assembly.

The New Popular Front, which won the election, had nominated Lucie Castets as its candidate for prime minister; however, Macron stated that it was not possible for Castets to receive a vote of confidence in the National Assembly and refused to appoint her as prime minister. On September 5, Macron decided to appoint Michel Barnier from the center-right The Republicans (LR) party as Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, in a statement made after his selection as prime minister, Michel Barnier said he was open to forming a government that includes politicians from all sides, including left-wing politicians.

News Source: İHA