The recent appointment of Michel Barnier as the new prime minister of France by President Emmanuel Macron has sparked outrage and protests across the nation. Left-wing parties are accusing Macron of stealing legislative elections by appointing a center-right candidate as prime minister, going against the will of the people. This move has led to thousands of people taking to the streets to voice their discontent with the government’s decision.
A Divided Parliament
The appointment of Michel Barnier comes after a legislative election that resulted in a hung parliament, divided into three blocs. With no clear majority in parliament, Barnier faces the daunting task of trying to drive reforms and manage the 2025 budget. This is particularly challenging as France is under pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to reduce its deficit, making the situation even more precarious.
Left-Wing Backlash
The left, led by the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, has been vocal in their criticism of Macron, accusing him of a denial of democracy and election theft. Macron’s decision to overlook the candidate of the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance, which won the majority in the July vote, has only fueled the accusations of election manipulation. A survey revealed that a significant portion of the French population believes that Macron disregarded the election results and essentially stole them.
Call for Mass Protests
In response to the appointment of Michel Barnier, left-wing party leaders, unions, and student bodies have called for mass protests across the country. The protests are a precursor to more significant actions, including possible strikes on Oct. 1. The far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party has announced that 130 protests will be held nationwide to demonstrate against the new government and its appointment of Barnier as prime minister.
Michel Barnier is currently in the process of forming a government, facing challenges due to the lack of a clear majority in parliament. With the possibility of a no-confidence vote looming, especially with an urgent draft budget for 2025 on the horizon, Barnier’s position as prime minister is precarious. The New Popular Front (NFP) and the far-right National Rally (RN) hold a majority in parliament and could potentially oust Barnier through a no-confidence vote if they decide to collaborate.
The far-right National Rally (RN) has emerged as a key player in the formation of the new government, with the power to decide Barnier’s fate. While giving tacit approval for Barnier’s appointment, RN has outlined specific conditions for not supporting a no-confidence vote, making them the de facto kingmaker in this political landscape. RN party leader Jordan Bardella emphasized that Barnier is a prime minister under close scrutiny, highlighting the fragile nature of the government’s position.
Leave a Reply