Thousands march in Lyon, France after Macron appoints Barnier as prime minister

LYON, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 7: Following the early parliamentary elections in which the leftist New Popular Front (NFP) coalition secured victory, thousands of people marched through the streets of Lyon, France French against President Emmanuel Macron’s appointment of Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister. On September 5, President Macron named 73-year-old Barnier, a prominent center-right politician and former European Commissioner, as France's new Premier. Barnier, who previously led Brexit negotiations for the European Union, has been tasked with forming a unifying government. The Elysee Palace stated, “The President of the Republic has appointed Mr. Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. He has tasked him with forming a unifying government to serve the country and the French people.” Barnier’s appointment has been met with criticism from left-wing factions. The New Popular Front (NFP), which won the second round of snap parliamentary elections on July 7, has expressed discontent with the decision. Leftist politicians argue that the head of government should reflect the outcome of the elections. The Socialist Party also voiced its opposition on social media, stating, “Michel Barnier has neither political legitimacy nor republican legitimacy. The Socialist Party will vote against Michel Barnier's appointment and his government.” (Footage by Mathieu Prudhomme/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)