Mass Protests Erupt Across France Against New Prime Minister Barnier
More than 100,000 left-wing demonstrators took to the streets across France on Saturday to protest the appointment of Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister by President Emmanuel Macron. The Ministry of the Interior reported a turnout of 110,000 people nationwide, with 26,000 in Paris alone. Protests occurred in multiple cities such as Nantes, Nice, Marseille, and Strasbourg.
More than 100,000 left-wing demonstrators took to the streets across France on Saturday to protest the appointment of Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister by President Emmanuel Macron.
The Ministry of the Interior reported a turnout of 110,000 people nationwide, with 26,000 in Paris alone.
Protests occurred in multiple cities such as Nantes, Nice, Marseille, and Strasbourg.
Barnier, a 73-year-old former foreign minister and EU Brexit negotiator, was appointed after Macron's centrist alliance placed second in recent snap elections.
The left-wing coalition, which has emerged as the largest political bloc but without an overall majority, had proposed economist Lucie Castets for the role.
Demonstrators expressed outrage over Macron's decision, with figures like Jean-Luc Melenchon rallying supporters to continue their opposition.
Key left-wing leaders claimed a turnout of 300,000 across France.
Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally has indicated it will wait for Barnier’s policy speech before deciding on their stance.
Barnier faces the significant challenge of presenting the 2025 budget by early October while managing a fragmented legislature.
The Ministry of the Interior reported a turnout of 110,000 people nationwide, with 26,000 in Paris alone.
Protests occurred in multiple cities such as Nantes, Nice, Marseille, and Strasbourg.
Barnier, a 73-year-old former foreign minister and EU Brexit negotiator, was appointed after Macron's centrist alliance placed second in recent snap elections.
The left-wing coalition, which has emerged as the largest political bloc but without an overall majority, had proposed economist Lucie Castets for the role.
Demonstrators expressed outrage over Macron's decision, with figures like Jean-Luc Melenchon rallying supporters to continue their opposition.
Key left-wing leaders claimed a turnout of 300,000 across France.
Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally has indicated it will wait for Barnier’s policy speech before deciding on their stance.
Barnier faces the significant challenge of presenting the 2025 budget by early October while managing a fragmented legislature.