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French protests demand Macron's resignation as government faces collapse
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Paris on Saturday, calling for the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron amidst France's most severe political crisis since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958. The protests come just days before a confidence vote on Monday, which is expected to threaten the survival of Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government.
Mass protests challenge Macron’s leadership
Saturday’s demonstration was organized by Florian Philippot, a former National Rally politician, and his Eurosceptic party, Les Patriotes. Protesters carried signs reading “Stop Macron, stop the war” and “Frexit,” advocating for France to leave the European Union. The rally specifically opposed arms deliveries to Ukraine and warned against further escalation with Russia.
Macron’s approval rating has plummeted to 15%, the lowest since he took office in 2017. According to a Le Figaro poll, nearly 80% of French citizens express distrust in the president. This growing discontent underscores the political turmoil gripping the nation.
Bayrou’s government on the brink of collapse
Prime Minister Bayrou, in office for just nine months, has called for the confidence vote in a final effort to push through his controversial austerity budget. The proposal includes €44 billion in spending cuts, reductions in public sector jobs, cuts to social programs and pensions, and the elimination of two public holidays. The opposition, spanning the political spectrum from the far-left France Insoumise to Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, has vowed to vote against the government.
France’s budget deficit currently stands at 5.8% of GDP, nearly double the EU-mandated 3% limit. Bayrou has warned of a potential debt crisis similar to Greece’s without immediate action. However, opposition lawmakers have criticized his budget for prioritizing military spending over social welfare.
Strikes and civil unrest loom
In addition to Saturday’s protests, nationwide civil disobedience is expected on September 10. A social media campaign titled “Block Everything” has mobilized activists and unions to disrupt the country. The Sud-Rail union has called for a “massive strike,” with other unions in the transport, healthcare, and public service sectors filing strike notices.
The planned protests are reminiscent of the 2018 Yellow Vest movement but feature more organized political involvement from left-wing parties. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau estimates that up to 100,000 people could participate in the nationwide action.
The demonstrations reflect widespread anger over Bayrou’s proposed budget cuts, particularly the elimination of two public holidays. As one protester told Le Monde, “When we have a holiday, we cherish it. Taking them away is deeply insulting… They’ve already pushed back my retirement.”
France faces political uncertainty
If Bayrou’s government falls as expected on Monday, Macron will face the challenge of appointing the fifth prime minister in under two years. Recent polls show that 64% of French citizens want Macron to resign rather than appoint a new head of government. However, the president has firmly ruled out stepping down before his term ends in 2027.