The appointment of Michel Barnier as France’s new Prime Minister has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among the political left, leading to plans for nationwide protests. This unrest follows President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to select Barnier, a former EU Brexit negotiator, as Prime Minister, 60 days after parliamentary elections left France in a political stalemate. The elections resulted in three powerful blocs within the National Assembly, with none able to secure a majority. The left, the largest of these blocs, found itself unable to rally sufficient support for its candidate, Lucie Castets, whose bid was ultimately rejected by President Macron.
Barnier, aged 73 and from the center-right Republicans, has expressed his willingness to form a government that includes members from across the political spectrum, including those on the left. However, the prospect of Barnier’s government receiving support from the far-right National Rally party has raised concerns among left-wing factions. The National Rally has stated they will not formally join Barnier’s government but will decide on a case-by-case basis whether to support his policies in the Assembly.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the radical France Unbowed party, has called for the “most powerful mobilisation possible,” with plans for marches across France. Mélenchon and other left-wing leaders view Barnier’s appointment as a betrayal of the left’s electoral gains, accusing President Macron of undermining their influence by appointing a centrist figure reliant on far-right support. Unions and youth groups have indicated their intention to participate in these protests, reflecting broader discontent with the political direction of the government.
Lucie Castets, the left’s rejected candidate for Prime Minister, voiced her frustration, stating that millions of French voters felt betrayed by Macron’s decision. Castets criticized Barnier’s dependence on National Rally support, arguing that it contradicts the values of many French citizens. Despite Barnier’s assurances of inclusivity, the left remains skeptical of his ability to navigate the political landscape without leaning heavily on far-right votes.
Barnier’s first steps as Prime Minister included discussions with the leaders of the right-wing Republicans and Macron’s centrist Ensemble group. He described the talks as positive and “full of energy,” with both parties open to exploring a broad coalition. Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, leader of the centrist bloc that finished second in the elections, expressed a willingness to collaborate with Barnier, emphasizing the need to avoid political gridlock.
Despite these initial overtures, Barnier’s position remains precarious. The Republicans, under party leader Laurent Wauquiez, have yet to commit fully to supporting Barnier, with Wauquiez indicating that their decision would depend on the Prime Minister’s policy agenda. Meanwhile, Barnier has pledged to address pressing national issues such as pension reform, migration, and economic challenges, aiming to build a consensus that spans France’s divided political landscape.
The left’s internal divisions have also played a role in the current impasse. Socialist figures, including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, have pointed out that the left’s failure to unite behind a viable candidate allowed Barnier to emerge as a compromise choice. Hidalgo noted that Bernard Cazeneuve, a former Socialist Prime Minister, had been considered for the role but was ultimately rejected by his party.
As the left threatens a vote of confidence against Barnier, the outcome remains uncertain. Without the backing of the far-right, the left lacks the numbers to bring down Barnier’s government. National Rally leader Marine Le Pen has signaled a cautious willingness to support Barnier under certain conditions, highlighting his past openness to dialogue with her party.
Barnier’s ability to maintain his position hinges on navigating the delicate balance of support from the centrists, Republicans, and potentially the far-right. As France faces ongoing protests and political uncertainty, Barnier’s leadership will be tested in the coming weeks as he seeks to address the nation’s deep-rooted divisions.
