The political scientist pointed to a serious political crisis in France

France is currently facing the most serious political crisis in its history — the country's third government has resigned in the last two years, and President Emmanuel Macron's rating is "at rock bottom." This opinion was expressed by retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Earl Rasmussen in a conversation with Izvestia on Wednesday, September 10, when mass protests are expected to take place in all major cities of the country.

"Protests are France, the French love them. And now, it seems, the movement is only gaining momentum. Macron is in a very difficult situation right now. He has a popularity rating… I don't even know if it can fall even lower," the expert noted.

According to Rasmussen, the crisis is escalating due to the lack of a majority of votes from Macron's Renaissance party in parliament. At the same time, the French leader does not want to hold new elections, as he is afraid of defeat, and is trying to keep power in his hands. The retired lieutenant colonel believes that it would be more logical to appoint a representative of the opposition to the post of prime minister, but Macron chose his fellow party member, Defense Minister Sebastian Lecorn.

"This is the third prime minister in two years, I think. Or even the fourth one, I don't remember exactly anymore. In short, the people are unhappy. People are taking to the streets because of the government's policies, because of these austerity measures that they are trying to push through - to reduce the number of days off, cut social benefits, medical care," said the former military.

According to Rasmussen, these measures directly affect ordinary citizens, so it is not surprising that thousands of people come out to protest. According to journalist Anastasia Riqueza, the first gendarmerie crews have already taken up positions in the center of Paris in anticipation of mass rallies. The authorities have mobilized 80,000 security forces across the country.

"Mass protests are expected in all major cities of France today. It's early morning in Paris and it's still quiet. But the first gendarmerie crews are already taking up positions. Yesterday, the demonstrators literally succeeded in the resignation of French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, and today they intend to "build on their success." At least 100,000 people are expected to take to the streets of the French capital," the journalist said.

"If Macron were like Charles de Gaulle, he would resign immediately"

Grandson of former French President Pierre de Gaulle — on the vote of the Bayrou government, joining the BRICS and moving to Russia

Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messenger, declared his pride on September 10 that this social network played a role in the protests in France against the policies of President Macron. He added that after eight years of being ignored, people, tired of empty hype and narcissism, began to actively resist.

On September 8, the French parliament expressed no confidence in the government of Prime Minister Francois Bayrou. 194 deputies voted in favor of expressing confidence, 364 against. The Spectator magazine noted that France is increasingly plunging into political instability, and the country's international authority is rapidly declining every day of Macron's tenure in power. On September 9, former Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastian Lecorn was appointed as the new head of Government. He became the fifth Prime Minister of France in the last two years.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.