'Millions of voters feel betrayed': A look at the reaction to Barnier's appointment as French PM
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00:00Major political figures rushed to TV and radio studios on Friday.
00:07On the left side of the political spectrum, they were eager to criticize the naming of
00:12Michel Barnier, a right-wing man, to the prime minister's position.
00:18I'd like to say that I am angry, like millions of French voters who feel betrayed by the
00:25president's decision.
00:28The leftist alliance got more votes than any other group, although they did not get a majority.
00:34Its leaders say they will bring a no-confidence vote to parliament.
00:38I don't think anyone from the Socialist Party will join the government, I'm sure.
00:44On the right, though, Michel Barnier is likely to have a large choice of candidates for his
00:49cabinet, starting with his own, the Republicans' party.
00:53Its leaders met with Barnier to make sure he maintains a right-wing agenda, although
00:58centrist president Emmanuel Macron is still at the helm, Barnier's first challenge remaining
01:03in power, keeping the far-right from joining the left and striking down his cabinet.
01:11If it's not a cohabitation, but simply a continuity of what Emmanuel Macron has done, then we
01:17will be able to vote Barnier out.
01:21This threat from the far-right means to many that the national rally will try to pressure
01:26Barnier into passing its policies.
01:29Emmanuel Macron's party dismissed those concerns.
01:35When did you hear that Michel Barnier wants to invite a national rally MP into his government?
01:41What Barnier did say and repeat as he took office is that he would respect all parties.
01:47Other potential candidates for the prime minister's post saw their bids collapse after refusing
01:54to work with the far-right.