Mass protests in France against the appointment of Michel Barnier as prime minister.

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of France this weekend in clear and strong opposition to the recent appointment of Michel Barnier as prime minister. The protests, organized mainly by La France Insoumise (LFI) and other formations of the New Popular Front (NFP), brought together around 150 marches across the country, although the Socialist Party (PS) stayed out of these mobilizations. The most significant march took place in Paris, where LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon actively participated, denouncing Barnier's appointment as "the denial of democracy." Mélenchon did not hold back in his criticism of President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing that the choice of Barnier, a representative of the right-wing party Les Républicains (LR), is a slip in politics that ignores the popular vote. According to the LFI leader, his party should have been considered for the formation of the government, given that in the National Assembly, the NFP is the largest bloc with 193 seats, compared to the mere 47 obtained by LR. “It is not up to him to decide what constitutes a stable government. He should have appointed Lucie Castets, our candidate,” he stated emphatically. The participation figures in the demonstrations are a matter of debate; the Paris Police Prefecture estimated attendance at 26,000 people, while the organizers raised that number to 160,000 in the capital alone and to 300,000 across France. This discrepancy in figures highlights the political tension in the country, where the legitimacy of Barnier remains in question. Amid this climate of discontent, Mélenchon announced that the left-wing coalition plans to present a motion of no confidence as soon as parliamentary sessions resume. However, Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN), which plays a significant role in current politics, has already indicated that it will not initially support this motion, choosing instead to observe the policies that the new government will propose. Jordan Bardella, president of the RN, stated that the party is “under surveillance” regarding the decisions of the new Executive. This comment underscores the balance of power in the National Assembly, where Le Pen's political strength, despite having received the most votes in the legislative elections, was limited by a 'cordon sanitaire' strategy that affected its representation in parliament. Barnier, for his part, has chosen to distance himself from leftist criticisms, emphasizing that his government is "under the democratic scrutiny of all French people." However, his refusal to address questions about the legitimacy of his appointment has further fueled discontent among progressive sectors of society. Olivier Faure, the first secretary of the PS, used social media to criticize Macron for his choice, suggesting that the president has placed himself “under the tutelage” of the far right by appointing Barnier. This statement comes amid growing internal pressure within the PS, where some party members question the strategy of allying with LFI and dismissing other alternatives. The political context in France is becoming increasingly polarized, with a united left in opposition and an RN that is strengthening despite its parliamentary limitations. The demonstrations and the imminent motion of no confidence indicate that the struggle for political power has only just begun, and the future of Barnier's coalition government is uncertain. The uncertainty regarding the direction the new government will take, as well as the response to the demands of a significant part of the population, will remain at the center of the political debate in France. The situation continues to evolve, and the coming weeks will undoubtedly be crucial for the stability of the government and for the cohesion of the opposition. French politics, charged with tension and social mobilization, is at a decisive moment that could redefine its near future.