Left-Wing Parties Reject Macron's Pick for Prime Minister.

By Marine Beaumont

Sep 7, 2024

Published on 08 September 2024, by Marine Beaumont | Paris, France. Protests have erupted in France in response to Michel Barnier's appointment as the country's new prime minister. The demonstrations are led by left-wing political parties, whose nominee for the position was turned down by President Emmanuel Macron.

Barnier, who previously served as the EU's Brexit negotiator, was chosen by Macron 60 days after parliamentary elections left the country in a political impasse, with no single party holding a majority in the National Assembly. The left held the largest bloc but was unable to secure control.

Barnier, a centrist-right politician, expressed in a TV interview his willingness to form a government that includes members from the left. However, his political survival may hinge on support from the far-right National Rally party, though they have indicated they will not formally join his government. After taking office and meeting Macron, Barnier began assembling his cabinet, holding discussions with the right-wing Republicans and Macron's centrist Ensemble group, reporting that the talks were "full of energy" and progressing well.

Despite Barnier’s openness to including figures from across the political spectrum, left-wing parties are angered by the rejection of their candidate, Lucie Castets, who was seen as unlikely to survive a vote of confidence. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a prominent leader from the radical left party, France Unbowed, has called for widespread protests, with some unions and youth organizations planning to participate. Castets has voiced frustration, accusing Macron of essentially governing with far-right support and expressing feelings of betrayal among voters.

Upon entering the prime minister's residence, Barnier vowed to tackle the pressing issues affecting French society, including pension reform, migration, and economic concerns. Discussions with Gabriel Attal, former prime minister and leader of the centrist bloc, suggested the possibility of a coalition, although Attal emphasized that no firm commitments had been made.

Some on the left criticized their own side for Barnier's appointment, pointing to the missed opportunity of supporting Bernard Cazeneuve, a former Socialist prime minister, who had been considered for the role but was rejected by his party. Left-wing leaders like Socialist mayor Anne Hidalgo blamed internal divisions for the failure to secure the prime ministership.

Meanwhile, far-right leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella have distanced themselves from Barnier's government but remain open to seeing his policies before deciding on their vote of confidence. Although the left may attempt to call a vote of no confidence, without the far-right’s backing, they are unlikely to succeed. "He's a man who has never gone too far when he's spoken about National Rally; he's never cast us out - he's a man for discussion," said Marine Le Pen, indicating they could allow him to continue in office. Without her party's backing, Mr Barnier would not be able to muster the 289 votes in the 577-seat Assembly, simply by relying on the support of the centrists and the Republicans.