Large Crowds Demonstrate Against New Government in France
Protests erupted across France on Saturday in response to the establishment of a right-leaning government. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The selection of a right-leaning government sparked widespread protests throughout France on Saturday, following the earlier appointment of conservative leaders. Demonstrations centered in Paris, with participants voicing their disapproval of President Emmanuel Macron and his newly appointed conservative Prime Minister, Michel Barnier. Protesters argued that their decision ignored the July parliamentary election results.
The parliamentary election resulted in no clear majority but saw the New Popular Front (NFP) coalition gaining the most seats, which many believed warranted the opportunity to nominate their prime minister candidate, Lucie Castets. Nevertheless, Macron chose instead to appoint Michel Barnier from the center-right Republicans, inciting criticisms of undermining democracy.
On forming his government, Barnier revealed his cabinet which prominently featured centrists and right-wing politicians, save for a singular left-wing inclusion—Didier Migaud as justice minister.
This cabinet composition led to protestors condemning the perceived slight towards the electoral success of the left-wing alliance and democracy itself. Demonstrators bearing signs like "Rule by idiots" and "Impeachment for Macron" demanded the president's resignation, with some accusing Macron of monarchal aspirations in a "coup de force."
Throughout the protests, scenes captured demonstrators chanting critically about the Macron-Barnier administration and urging further public mobilization to uphold their democratic rights.
A protestor articulated the sentiment, stating, “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.”
Another added, “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.”
The Paris demonstration was notably large, attracting up to 40,000 participants according to organizers. Additional protests occurred in cities such as Lyon, Nantes, Marseille, Bordeaux, Angouleme, and Strasbourg.
Amidst this civil unrest, France's new government also confronts several challenges, from tax reforms to a looming budget crisis, compounded by the difficulty of legislating within a considerably divided parliament.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
The parliamentary election resulted in no clear majority but saw the New Popular Front (NFP) coalition gaining the most seats, which many believed warranted the opportunity to nominate their prime minister candidate, Lucie Castets. Nevertheless, Macron chose instead to appoint Michel Barnier from the center-right Republicans, inciting criticisms of undermining democracy.
On forming his government, Barnier revealed his cabinet which prominently featured centrists and right-wing politicians, save for a singular left-wing inclusion—Didier Migaud as justice minister.
This cabinet composition led to protestors condemning the perceived slight towards the electoral success of the left-wing alliance and democracy itself. Demonstrators bearing signs like "Rule by idiots" and "Impeachment for Macron" demanded the president's resignation, with some accusing Macron of monarchal aspirations in a "coup de force."
Throughout the protests, scenes captured demonstrators chanting critically about the Macron-Barnier administration and urging further public mobilization to uphold their democratic rights.
A protestor articulated the sentiment, stating, “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.”
Another added, “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.”
The Paris demonstration was notably large, attracting up to 40,000 participants according to organizers. Additional protests occurred in cities such as Lyon, Nantes, Marseille, Bordeaux, Angouleme, and Strasbourg.
Amidst this civil unrest, France's new government also confronts several challenges, from tax reforms to a looming budget crisis, compounded by the difficulty of legislating within a considerably divided parliament.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
