French politicians react
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00:00Major political figures rushed to TV and radio studios on Friday.
00:06On the left side of the political spectrum,
00:08they were eager to criticize the naming of Michel Barnier,
00:12a right-wing man, to the prime minister's position.
00:18I'd like to say that I am angry,
00:21like millions of French voters who feel betrayed by the president's decision.
00:25The leftist alliance got more votes than any other group,
00:31although they did not get a majority.
00:33Its leaders say they will bring a no-confidence vote to parliament.
00:37I don't think anyone from the Socialist Party will join the government, I'm sure.
00:43On the right, though, Michel Barnier is likely to have a large choice of candidates for his cabinet,
00:48starting with his own, the Republicans party.
00:51Its leaders met with Barnier to make sure he maintains a right-wing agenda,
00:56although centrist president Emmanuel Macron is still at the helm.
01:00Barnier's first challenge? Remaining in power,
01:03keeping the far right from joining the left and striking down his cabinet.
01:10If it's not a cohabitation, but simply a continuity of what Emmanuel Macron has done,
01:15then we will be able to vote Barnier out.
01:19This threat from the far right means to many that the national rally will try to
01:24pressure Barnier into passing its policies. Emmanuel Macron's party dismissed those concerns.
01:33When did you hear that Michel Barnier wants to invite a national rally MP into his government?
01:40What Barnier did say and repeat as he took office is that he would respect all parties,
01:46other potential candidates for the prime minister's post
01:50saw their bids collapse after refusing to work with the far right.