Paris: Over 100,000 left-wing demonstrators gathered across France on Saturday to protest the appointment of centre-right Michel Barnier as prime minister and to condemn what they see as a "power grab" by President Emmanuel Macron. According to the interior ministry, 110,000 people participated nationwide, including 26,000 in Paris, although a leading left-wing figure claimed the turnout was 300,000 across the country.

Protests were held in cities such as Nantes, Nice, Marseille, and Strasbourg. Macron appointed Barnier, a 73-year-old former foreign minister and the EU's Brexit negotiator, as prime minister on Thursday, aiming to move forward after his centrist alliance finished second in snap elections.

Barnier expressed openness to including ministers from various political backgrounds, including the left. However, the left-wing coalition, now the largest political bloc in France after the June-July elections but lacking an overall majority, opposed Barnier's appointment. They had backed Lucie Castets, a 37-year-old economist, for the role, but Macron dismissed the idea, arguing that she wouldn't secure a confidence vote in the divided parliament.

Many demonstrators on Saturday voiced their frustration with Macron, with some calling for his resignation. Manon Bonijol, a 21-year-old protester, criticized France's current government system, saying, "The Fifth Republic is collapsing." Hard-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who had urged people to protest, accused Macron of "stealing" the election and called on supporters to prepare for continued resistance.

At the Paris rally, Mélenchon emphasized that democracy involves both winning and accepting defeat. Meanwhile, 44-year-old project manager Alexandra Germain expressed her discontent, saying, "Demonstrating is my only way of saying that I don't agree." Abel Couaillier, a 20-year-old student, criticized Barnier as an "old elephant" and expressed hope for change.

LFI leader Mathilde Panot claimed on social media that 160,000 people had protested in Paris and 300,000 across France, while police reported five arrests in Paris. Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen has stated that her party will not join the new cabinet and will assess Barnier's first policy speech before deciding on their support.

Barnier, who will oversee the budget, security, immigration, and healthcare, acknowledged the scrutiny he faces, noting, "I am under the surveillance of all French people." With only minority support in the National Assembly, Barnier's immediate challenge is to present the 2025 budget by early October, while navigating a fragmented legislature and potential no-confidence motions. AFP