Protests Erupt Across France Over Macron’s Prime Ministerial Nomination

Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across France to protest President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint Michel Barnier as the new prime minister. The protests, which spanned cities such as Paris, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, and Strasbourg, were organized by trade unions and left-wing political parties, who expressed their outrage over the rejection of their candidate, Lucie Castets, for the role.

Barnier, known for his tenure as the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, stated his willingness to form a coalition government with members from across the political spectrum, including the left. However, this has done little to quell the anger of left-wing supporters, who view Macron’s decision as a “denial of democracy” and a “stolen election.”

In Paris, the largest of the 130 nationwide protests saw prominent left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon addressing the crowd from a float bearing the slogan, “For democracy, stop Macron’s coup.” Protesters across the country echoed similar sentiments, condemning Macron’s choice and accusing him of undermining the democratic process.

The unrest follows an inconclusive election in which the left won the largest number of seats, yet their candidate for prime minister was bypassed by Macron, who argued that she would not survive a confidence vote in the National Assembly. The situation remains tense as the nation grapples with the political fallout of the controversial appointment.