Thousands of protesters marched through Paris on Saturday, demanding the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron and calling for France to leave the European Union. The rally, organized by right-wing parties including the National Rally, reflects growing public dissatisfaction with Macron’s government, which has seen his approval rating drop to record lows since he took office in 2017.
Marcron’s declining popularity is underscored by a recent poll showing that 80% of French citizens do not trust him. His government faces a spiraling budget deficit and is under pressure to address rising public discontent with its financial policies. The demonstration saw protesters carrying placards reading "Let’s stop Macron, let’s stop the war" and "Frexit," a French play on Brexit, signaling a strong desire for change.
The event was coordinated by former National Rally politician Florian Philippot and his euroskeptic party, The Patriots, which opposes arms deliveries to Ukraine and warns against further escalation with Russia. Meanwhile, left-wing activists and trade unions are planning separate strikes and protests under the slogan "Let’s block everything," highlighting the growing political polarization in France.
Budgetary issues have become a central point of contention. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, the fifth to hold the post in less than two years, faces a no-confidence vote on Monday as he seeks support for his proposed budget. The plan includes cuts to public sector jobs, welfare programs, and pensions, measures the opposition has denounced as prioritizing military spending over social support. With France struggling under a fiscal deficit of 5.8% of GDP—nearly double the EU’s 3% limit—Bayrou’s government is under intense scrutiny for its approach to economic management.
Macron’s approval rating, now at its lowest point since 2017, is a clear indicator of the public’s frustration with the current administration. The protest in Paris is part of a larger movement of discontent, with right-wing and left-wing groups increasingly at odds over the direction of France’s economic and political policies. The situation underscores the deepening challenges facing France as it navigates economic pressures, political instability, and the evolving landscape of European integration.