Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe.
Tens of Thousands Rally Against Appointment of Right-Wing Michel Barnier as PM
Tens of thousands of people are protesting across France against the appointment of right wing Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister, following an inconclusive election in which the left won the largest number of seats. Demonstrations are taking place in cities including Paris, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, and Strasbourg.
The protests have been organized by trade unions and left-wing political parties, who are outraged that their preferred candidate for Prime Minister was passed over by President Emmanuel Macron. Mr. Barnier, the EU's former Brexit negotiator, has stated that he is open to forming a government that includes politicians from across the political spectrum, including the left.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a prominent figure from the radical France Unbowed party, has called for "the most powerful mobilization possible" in national marches. Approximately 130 protests are being held, with the largest demonstration setting off from central Paris on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Mélenchon joined the Paris protest, delivering a speech from the back of a float emblazoned with the slogan: "For democracy, stop Macron’s coup." Protesters have been chanting slogans such as "denial of democracy" and "stolen election."
Left-wing parties are frustrated that their own candidate for Prime Minister, Lucie Castets, was rejected by President Macron, who argued that she had no chance of surviving a vote of confidence in the National Assembly. Mr. Barnier may have a better chance of surviving a confidence vote because the far-right, which also secured a significant number of seats, has indicated that it won't automatically vote against him. This has led to criticism that Barnier's government could be reliant on far right support.
"We have a Prime Minister completely dependent on the National Rally," said Ms. Castets.
While protests raged, Mr. Barnier spent Saturday afternoon visiting a children’s hospital in Paris, where he emphasized the importance of public services but cautioned healthcare workers that his government "is not going to perform miracles," according to local broadcaster BFMTV.
The ongoing demonstrations reflect the deep political divides and tensions in France, as many citizens feel that the will of the electorate is not being respected in the selection of the nation's leadership.
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