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.

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