It is a very bad start for the new government in France, as mass protests have taken place in the country even before Michel Barnier’s cabinet officially takes office. Thousands of people followed the call of the left-wing populist party La France Insoumise, environmentalists, women’s rights groups and student associations on Saturday.
“I’m here because it doesn’t fit with what we voted for,” said 21-year-old film student Violette Bourguignon during a protest on the Place de la Bastille in Paris. “The prime minister represents a party that achieved almost nothing in the elections. I’m worried and angry. ‘Why am I voting?'” she explained.
Protest against “democratic coup”
François Vermorel, a Green Party activist, said he had come “to denounce the democratic coup that Macron had decided.” He feared in particular the appointment of Bruno Retailleau as interior minister, whom he accused of racism and homophobia. “The people did not vote for this in June,” Vermorel assured. Elsewhere, President Emmanuel Macron was called upon to “finally respect the election results and not behave like an authoritarian ruler.”
According to its own statements, the LFI wants to “increase popular pressure.” According to the authorities, 110,000 protesters gathered across the country on the first day of protests on September 7, and according to the organizers, 300,000 protesters gathered. In Paris, according to the Ministry of the Interior, there were 26,000 people and according to the LFI, 160,000. According to police reports, between 20,000 and 40,000 people were expected in Paris on Saturday.
Government of the “losers”
Michel Barnier, appointed prime minister by President Emmanuel Macron, had been forming the government in recent weeks. Its composition should be finally announced on Sunday. According to the current status, most positions are held by conservative ministers – only one representative of the left-wing camp – and therefore from the camp of the winner of the parliamentary elections two months ago – is said to be involved in the government.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
