In the Parisian procession, left-wing voters denounce a “democratic betrayal” after the nomination of Michel Barnier

The demonstrators, who marched in the capital on Saturday at the call of La France Insoumise, have been furious since the head of state’s decision.

“It’s the storming of the Bastille”spear Sylviane, laughing, pointing to the Genius of Liberty which stands proudly in the middle of the square. In Paris, Saturday September 7, the meeting place of the demonstration “against Emmanuel Macron’s coup” is given in a highly symbolic place of the French Revolution.

The pensioner was keen to show her disapproval by marching alongside thousands of other people to the Place de la Nation. For her, the head of state’s refusal to appoint A government from the New Popular Front, with Lucie Castets at its head, and the choice of a Prime Minister from the right, Michel Barnier, represent a “denial of the election result” early legislative elections, in which the NFP came out on top.

“I never expected Emmanuel Macron to concede anything, but there are intangible democratic principles”fumes Guillaume, 54, a union activist for the CGT of visual artists. Eyes fixed on the crowd of Parisian demonstrators, the fifty-year-old salutes the day’s mobilization (26,000 people, according to the Police, 160,000, according to La France Insoumise), while demonstrations were also organized in nearly 150 communes in France. But he would have liked “a tidal wave” For “not to let this democratic betrayal pass.”

The trade unionist is disappointed by the appointment of Michel Barnier. However, he was not very particular about the identity of the Prime Minister. “He could have appointed SpongeBob, as long as he implemented the program of the movement that came out on top, that is to say that of the New Popular Front, that was fine with me,” he says ironically. “In the end, nothing will change”predicts Cédric*, 57 years old. “Michel Barnier will maintain the budgetary constraint, not improve anything in terms of social justice or ecology and make compromises with the National Rally,” he continues.

This historic voter of the Socialist Party, an actor by profession, also says “very disappointed” PS dissensions during negotiations for Matignon during the summer. “This is a deeply divided party and it’s still not resolved. I’m fed up. It’s over. I won’t vote for them in the next election.”he says. Without however moving towards a vote for La France Insoumise.

The upcoming elections worry Saïd, 16. This activist from La France Insoumise fears that the decision “shameful” Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint a Prime Minister from the Republicans does not lead to massive abstention. “I am afraid that this will create disappointment among voters, that they will feel that there is no point in voting, since the vote is not respected.”he confides, the French flag firmly in his grasp. The teenager will continue to campaign in Seine-Saint-Denis, where he comes from, and to call on the population to vote.

Julie is also feeling the pinch. This thirty-something in professional retraining had founded “a lot of hope” in the creation of the NFP on the occasion of these legislative elections. She had celebrated the good scores of the left-wing alliance. “There was a real positive momentum,” she remembers, already nostalgic. A joyful moment, reduced to nothing by negotiations that ended in a “relatively despotic”she believes.

To dismiss Lucie Castets’ candidacy, Emmanuel Macron argued the need to ensure “institutional stability” facing the risk of immediate censorship by the right and the extreme right of an NFP government. But the presidential argument is not admissible, according to the demonstrator. “That was the risk following the dissolution. He wanted to play, he had to take responsibility.”she says. Under her arm, she holds a placard with the cut-out faces of Michel Barnier and Emmanuel Macron, the first wearing a court jester’s cap, the second wearing a wig and a crown. A way, according to her, of humorously denouncing a power “who will not represent us.”

This political sequence which is ending has a bitter taste for Camille, 24 years old, who came with friends to the demonstration. “The big winner in this whole story is the National Rally,” deplores this student and sympathizer of La France insoumise. “I look to 2027 with concern, because the extreme now has a real boulevard”regrets the young man.