France is mobilizing en masse against the appointment of Michel Barnier as prime minister.

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of France to express their opposition to the recent appointment of Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. The demonstrations, organized by La France Insoumise (LFI) and other formations of the New Popular Front (NFP), took place in around 150 cities across the country. This discontent has intensified following the announcement, which many consider a denial of democracy, as stated by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the LFI, while participating in the main protest in Paris. The discontent centers on the fact that Barnier, leading a right-wing party, Les Républicains (LR), was appointed Prime Minister despite his party holding only 47 of the 577 seats in the National Assembly. Mélenchon emphasized that President Macron should have tasked the NFP, the largest bloc in the Assembly with 193 seats, with forming the government, suggesting that Barnier's selection undermines the stability and representativeness of the government. Attendance figures for the protests vary significantly. The Paris Police Prefecture reported approximately 26,000 attendees at the march in the capital, while organizers estimate that as many as 160,000 people joined the protest in Paris, with a total of up to 300,000 nationwide. This discrepancy in numbers reflects the tension present in the current political situation and the polarization among different political forces. Mélenchon has promised that the left-wing coalition will present a motion of no confidence against Barnier once the parliamentary session resumes, urging Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) to support it. However, the RN has indicated that it will not immediately back the motion, preferring to observe the policies that the new government implements before acting. The RN's stance underscores the complexity of the political dynamics in France, where alliances can be temporary and strategic. Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally, has stated that his party considers itself the "first party of France" in terms of votes and seats, emphasizing that no decision can be made without its approval. This statement comes in a context where the RN experienced significant growth in the legislative elections of June and July, although its 'sanitary cordon' strategy has limited its representation to 142 deputies, despite being the most voted party. Meanwhile, Barnier made his first visit as Prime Minister to a hospital in Paris, seeking to distance himself from accusations that his tenure would depend on the far right. In his statements, he focused on the idea that his government must be monitored by all citizens and political groups, dismissing criticisms about the legitimacy of his appointment. Despite his silence on the accusations, Barnier's response has not eased tensions. Olivier Faure, first secretary of the Socialist Party (PS), took the opportunity to criticize Macron, suggesting that Barnier's selection places him in a position of subordination to the far right. This criticism comes at a time when the PS is facing internal disputes over the party's political direction and the advisability of alliances with the LFI. Within the PS, dissenting voices have been heard, especially among prominent figures such as the mayors of Paris and Rouen, as well as the president of Occitania. These criticisms reflect a desire to reevaluate the party's strategy and explore new alliances in an increasingly polarized political environment. With the political landscape constantly changing and the pressure from the streets becoming more palpable, Barnier's and his government's response to the demands of the opposition and citizens will be crucial. The upcoming parliamentary session looms as a decisive moment, where the possibility of a motion of no confidence could further stir the waters of French politics, while the country watches closely how events unfold at this crossroads of democracy.