France: The upcoming cabinet reshuffle triggers left-wing protests

France is set to finalise a new government by Sunday, with President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Michel Barnier negotiating a cabinet reshuffle that leans to the right.

Following months of political stalemate after snap legislative elections, key ministerial positions will be appointed.

While there appeared to be no major surprises or big-name entrants into the cabinet, the new positions include foreign, economy, and interior ministers, with only the defence minister remaining unchanged among the key offices of state.

Consequently, the decision and its looming prospects ignited the anger of left-wing groups who are due to protest on Saturday across several cities.

The left-wing coalition New Popular Front won 180 seats in the parliament, but Macron refused to approve the group’s pick for prime minister by opting for Barnier, a move that seemingly paves the way to the far right.