Thousands Protest Michel Barnier's Appointment as Prime Minister in France

Thousands took to the streets across France on Saturday, September 8, in protest against Emmanuel Macron's decision to appoint Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. The demonstrations were organized by leftist parties in France, accusing Macron of electoral fraud in the parliamentary elections. On Thursday, September 6, after two months of attempts to prevent the premiership of the leftist coalition candidate who had won in the parliamentary elections, Macron introduced Barnier as Prime Minister. Leftist parties accuse Macron of violating democracy and stealing election results after he refused to select the candidate from the leftist coalition 'New People's Front.' A survey by 'Alb' revealed that 74% of French citizens believe Macron has ignored the election results, and 55% think he has stolen votes. Michel Barnier, 73, whose political inclination is considered center-right in France, is a former EU negotiator for Brexit. Following his party's defeat in the European Parliament elections in mid-June, Macron announced early parliamentary elections in France by issuing a decree to dissolve the parliament. In his first interview as head of government, Barnier stated that his government, lacking a clear parliamentary majority, would include conservatives and members of Macron's camp, expressing hope that some center-left parties would join his government. He will face the difficult challenge of pursuing economic changes and the 2025 budget while France is under pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to reduce its deficit. In response to Barnier's appointment as Prime Minister, while his center-right party holds only the fifth block in parliament with fewer than 50 lawmakers, leaders of leftist parties, unions, and student organizations have called for widespread protests.