Macron's Gamble Backfires: Mass Protests Erupt Over Barnier Appointment

Protests erupted across multiple French cities, including Paris and Strasbourg, on September 7th, opposing President Emmanuel Macron's appointment of the right-wing politician Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister.

According to local sources, large gatherings occurred in cities like Paris, Nantes, Nice, and Marseille, organized by various leftist groups who accused Macron of ignoring the election results and appointing a Prime Minister not representative of the public mandate. There were conflicting reports on the number of protesters in Paris, with organizers claiming 160,000 participants while the Paris government estimated the number to be 26,000.

The extreme left-wing party "La France Insoumise" called on its supporters to join the protests, backed by other leftist parties who viewed Barnier's appointment as a direct affront to the electorate’s choice. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of "La France Insoumise," described the election outcome as "stolen" and urged for the largest possible mobilization.

Michel Barnier, 73, has a long history in French politics, including several ministerial posts and serving as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator. Despite a broad consultation, Macron chose Barnier to ensure a stable government, a decision that was met with widespread discontent from the left.

The ongoing political stalemate stems from the June 30th National Assembly election results, where no single party or coalition managed to secure an absolute majority. The left-wing alliance "New People's Ecological and Social Union" (NUPES) gained significant seats but failed to propose a candidate agreeable to other political factions.

This political gridlock has led to calls for impeachment from some left-wing leaders and concerns over the stability of Macron's government. Although Barnier's appointment was aimed at uniting various political forces, it appears to have deepened divisions instead.

The extreme right National Rally remains a key player, with leader Marine Le Pen watching closely to see how Barnier's policies develop before deciding on further action. The appointment has essentially left the new government dependent on Le Pen's cooperation to avoid immediate collapse.

The protesters are concerned that Barnier, a staunch conservative, will push policies inconsistent with the leftist agenda, further alienating the electorate who supported socialist and green candidates in recent elections. The opposition, especially on the left, views this move as a blatant disregard for democratic norms, putting Macron in a precarious position as he seeks to maintain governance in a deeply divided National Assembly.

In conclusion, Macron's political gamble with Barnier's appointment has sparked massive protests and heightened tensions within the French political landscape. The success of his administration now hinges on balancing between diverse and often conflicting political voices, a task that appears increasingly challenging given the immediate backlash.