Thousands of demonstrators across France protested following the appointment of Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister.
An estimated 110,000 protesters, led by trade unions and the National Policy Forum (NPF), expressed their dismay after their preferred candidate for PM was rejected by President Emmanuel Macron.
The groups also opposed Barnier’s proposed changes to the structure of the French government.
France Unbowed party leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon labeled the protests as a stand “For democracy, stop Macron’s coup,” with chants of “denial of democracy” and “stolen election” echoing throughout.
Previously, Macron rejected Castets for PM, citing his lack of support in the National Assembly.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo also expressed disappointment, stating that former Socialist Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve should have been considered, though Macron declined to include him in his party.
