Multitudes demonstrate in Paris against the conservative "Macron-Barnier administration"
Many have protested in Paris against the impending conservative-majority "Macron-Barnier administration". The demonstration was organized by the left-leaning populist party La France Insoumise (LFI), eco-activists, women's rights groups, and student associations. According to LFI's online platform, around 60 demonstrations were scheduled across France.
Emmanuel Macron's chosen prime minister, Michel Barnier, has been constructing the administration for weeks now. The final details of the government are set to be unveiled by Sunday. As per current news reports, most positions will be filled by conservative officials, with only a single leftist representative involved.
Barnier faced challenges convincing left-wing politicians to join his cabinet. Several leftist politicians confirmed they had turned down his invitations. In the parliamentary elections two months ago, the left-wing coalition Nouveau Front Populaire emerged as the most powerful force, albeit failing to secure an absolute majority. Due to the challenging coalition dynamics, the government formation process took longer than anticipated.
"I'm here because it contradicts what we voted for," stated 21-year-old film student Violette Bourguignon at a protest gathering on Place de la Bastille in Paris. "The prime minister represents a party that barely gained anything in the elections. I'm worried and furious. What's the point in voting?" she clarified. François Vermorel, an activist from the Greens, came "to denounce the attempted coup on democracy, orchestrated by Macron". He specifically opposed the appointment of Bruno Retailleau as interior minister, accusing him of promoting racism and homophobia. "That's not what people voted for in June," Vermorel reiterated.
LFI aims to "boost the people's resistance". On the first day of protest on September 7, according to official statistics, 110,000 individuals gathered nationwide, with organizers claiming 300,000. In Paris, the interior ministry reported 26,000 individuals, while LFI claimed 160,000. Between 20,000 and 40,000 people were expected in Paris on Saturday, according to police estimates.
Thousands of protesters echoed Violette Bourguignon's sentiment, voicing their concerns about the conservative-majority government. Despite reports suggesting only a single leftist representative in the new administration, thousands continued to rally against Emmanuel Macron's decisions.
