(Posted by: Tsukasa Kyuji)
On September 21, 2024, in response to a call from the left-wing coalition, which became the largest force in parliament with 178 seats in the recent French general election, large-scale protests against the new cabinet took place across France, with more than 100,000 participants. The demand for the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron, whose party suffered a devastating loss in the general election (losing 95 seats from the ruling coalition), has grown even stronger.
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This protest was held in response to President Macron’s decision to completely disregard the left-wing coalition, the New People’s Front (which won 178 seats in the election), and instead appoint former Minister of Agriculture Michel Barnier, a member of the right-wing Republican Party (which only holds 39 seats), as the new Prime Minister. Barnier is known for his strong right-wing views, particularly his stance against immigration. His policies are seen as aligning closely with those of the far-right National Rally, the third-largest party (with 142 seats), leading some to believe that this move was intended to stave off a no-confidence vote from the left. In fact, National Rally leader Bardella announced on the 7th that his party would not participate in efforts to oust the government, likely aiming to observe how the Barnier cabinet might cater to far-right interests.
The protest was organized not only by political parties like the New People’s Front, but also by environmental groups, civil society organizations, labor unions, and student groups. They expressed outrage over the fact that the Republican Party, which lost 22 seats, is now in power instead of the election-winning New People’s Front. Protesters shouted slogans such as “The election results were stolen,” “Macron + far-right = Barnier,” “Oppose Macron’s coup,” and “Protect democracy.” Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed, the largest party within the New People’s Front, criticized the situation by saying, “This is no longer a republic; it’s a presidential monarchy.” Protests were held in over 150 locations across France, with over 100,000 participants nationwide. In Paris alone, 25,000 people, including a middle and high school student union, joined the demonstrations.
This protest is a culmination of growing dissatisfaction and backlash against President Macron’s neoliberal policies within France. There has been a particularly strong outcry from left-wing and alternative groups, reflecting a deep-seated distrust in the administration. According to the latest opinion poll (released by Elabe on the 6th), 74% of respondents believe that the President ignored the results of the general election. Additionally, Macron’s disapproval rating has reached 75% (Ifop poll, released on the 21st). Some protesters even voiced that “impeachment is the only option left.”
Many of the demonstrators criticized Macron’s government for its elitism, accusing it of ignoring the people’s voices, especially in the context of his forceful push for pension reform and labor policies. There is a widespread belief that the policies of the new Barnier cabinet will further burden citizens, exacerbate social inequality, and deepen societal divisions. This broad dissatisfaction has ignited protests that transcend traditional left-wing party lines.
In this context, a notable factor is the influence of right-wing forces that currently oppose Macron. Backed by rising nationalism and anti-immigration sentiments in France, right-wing parties have seized this opportunity to stoke opposition against President Macron. Some elements of the right-wing have even joined the anti-Macron protests under the banner of anti-elitism, although their objectives are not always aligned with those of the broader protest movement. While many of the protest organizers and participants aim to promote social justice and expand workers’ rights, the right-wing focuses on anti-immigration stances and emphasizing traditional French values.
The involvement of both progressive and right-wing factions in the protests against Macron’s neoliberal policies highlights the deep political divide in France. Some left-wing voices have expressed concern over the right-wing’s presence in the protests, fearing that it might distort the original goals of the demonstrations and further inflame societal divisions.
Even so, the chants of “Macron, step down” that echoed through the streets of Paris symbolize the widespread dissatisfaction among the French public. There is a growing sense that French democracy is in crisis, and a new alternative movement is taking shape to challenge this. This movement raises not only opposition to government policies but also the larger question of how to shape a future that moves beyond the greed-driven capitalism that dominates both French society and the world. This is a question that concerns not only France but all of us.
| Political Party Coalition Name | Number of seats won | % of total seats |
|---|---|---|
| NUPES（NFP） | 178 | 31% |
| Ensemble（E） | 150 | 26% |
| National Rally（RN） | 142 | 25% |
| The Republicans（LR） | 39 | 7% |