French Protests Erupt Over New Right-Leaning Government

The formation of a right-leaning cabinet has angered many, especially those on the left

Large protests took place across France on Saturday following the appointment of a right-leaning government earlier in the day. Thousands marched in Paris, condemning President Emmanuel Macron and his new conservative prime minister, Michel Barnier, arguing that they had disregarded the results of the July parliamentary election.

The election left France with a hung parliament, with three roughly equal blocs – the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance, the center, led by Macron’s Renaissance party, and the far-right National Rally. Although no party secured a majority, the NFP coalition won the most seats, which was seen as a mandate to put forward its candidate for prime minister.

However, Macron refused to appoint the NFP’s choice, Lucie Castets, leading to accusations that he “denies democracy.” Earlier this month, meanwhile, Macron nominated Barnier, from the center-right Republicans party, for the position.

Barnier was unable to form a government quickly, and when he finally announced a new cabinet on Saturday, it included only one left-wing politician, Didier Migaud, as justice minister. The rest were mostly centrists and right-wingers.

Protesters viewed this as an act of “disrespect” for the left-wing alliance’s electoral victory and democracy in general, according to numerous signs seen on the streets on Saturday. Activists waved flags and signs reading “Rule by idiots” and “Impeachment for Macron,” and called for the president’s resignation. Some wore Macron masks topped with a crown, accusing the French leader of attempting to become a “president-monarch” by attempting a “coup de force” with Barnier’s appointment.

Footage also showed demonstrators chanting slogans denouncing the Macron-Barnier government and calling for people to mobilize against them and defend their right to choose their leaders.

“We are here to reiterate that we will never give in, that we will never accept the anti-democratic power grab by the president of the republic,” one demonstrator stated.

“Macron no longer has any legitimacy in power… The French people voted, and it was clear that the NFP was in the lead. But [Macron] took as prime minister one of the group that received the fewest votes,” another protester explained.

The largest demonstration was in Paris, where organizers claimed up to 40,000 people took part. Protests also took place in Lyon, Nantes, Marseille, Bordeaux, Angouleme, and Strasbourg.

Besides popular discontent, France’s new government faces a range of challenges, from sorting out tax policy to addressing the budget crisis. Many experts warn that an added difficulty will be effectively passing legislation through a highly fragmented parliament.