Thousands of people flooded the streets of France on Saturday to voice their opposition against the appointment of a conservative politician as the country’s new prime minister. The protests, which took place in several major cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Strasbourg, were a display of discontent and frustration towards the new government and its policies.
The protests were sparked by the surprise announcement of Michel Barnier as the new prime minister by President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week. Barnier, a member of the center-right Les Républicains party, is seen as a controversial choice by many due to his conservative stance on various social issues.
As the news of Barnier’s appointment spread, citizens from all walks of life took to the streets to express their disappointment. Many young people voiced their concern, believing that Barnier’s conservative views do not align with their progressive ideals. Some even went as far as calling it a step backwards for France.
Among the protesters were also members of LGBT+ community, who fear that Barnier’s conservative values will jeopardize their rights. The LGBT+ rights group, Homosexual Equality and Pride (HEP) was seen marching with rainbow flags and banners advocating for equal rights for all. One of its members, 21-year-old Clara Dupont, said, “We don’t want a prime minister who will limit our freedom and go against our progress towards equality. We want a leader who represents all of us, not just a select few.”
The atmosphere during the protests was one of unity and determination. People from diverse backgrounds came together with one common goal: to show their opposition towards Barnier’s appointment. The protests were largely peaceful, with some reports of minor clashes between the police and a small group of aggressive protesters. However, the majority of the demonstrators remained peaceful, chanting slogans and holding up signs expressing their dissatisfaction.
The critics of Barnier’s appointment argue that his views on social and economic policies are too conservative for a progressive country like France. They fear that his government will roll back important measures put in place by the previous government to address issues such as climate change and income inequality. Some also believe that Barnier’s policies will favor the wealthy and neglect the needs of the working class.
Speaking at the protest in Paris, a 32-year-old teacher, Jeanne Dupont, said, “I fear that with Barnier as our prime minister, the rights of workers will be jeopardized. We need a leader who will prioritize the needs of the people, not the interests of the elite.”
The protests also caught the attention of several political figures, with some voicing their support for the demonstrators. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing party La France Insoumise, joined the crowds in Marseille and condemned Barnier’s appointment, calling it a “threat to democracy and the welfare of the people.”
In response to the protests, the government released a statement saying that Barnier’s appointment is in line with the president’s vision for the country and the new prime minister’s conservative views will bring balance to the government.
Despite the government’s stance, the protesters remained determined to make their voices heard. As the day went on, the crowds grew bigger and their determination stronger. The protests served as a reminder that the people of France will not stay silent when they feel their values and rights are being threatened.
The demonstrations came to an end in the evening, with the protesters vowing to continue their fight against the new government’s policies. As they dispersed, they left behind a clear message for Barnier and the government: the people of France will not accept anything less than a leader who represents their values and works towards a better and more equal future for all.
