Mélenchon’s strategy of uniting with Macron in the name of blocking the rise of the far right proved disastrous for the working class, paving the way for the forming of a far right government.

Opponents say selection of Michel Barnier, a member of the conservative party, ignored the results of recent snap elections.

The end of the Olympics also closed out the feel-good limbo that had frozen French politics. Now President Emmanuel Macron and his newly chosen prime minister will have to figure out how to govern a France that looks on the verge of ungovernability.

Macron on Thursday appointed Barnier, a 73-year-old former foreign minister.

One of the first tasks of the newly appointed French Prime Minister and former Brexit negotiator is to convince Brussels that France is reducing its massive debt before Paris faces penalties. He also needs to quickly pass next year’s budget,