French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier, the former Brexit negotiator for the EU, as his new prime minister after a prolonged period of deliberation following an inconclusive snap election.
Barnier, 73, led the EU’s negotiations with Britain on its exit from the bloc and has a long history of serving in various French governments and as an EU Commissioner. Despite facing challenges in garnering enough support for a stable government, Macron ultimately chose Barnier to lead the country.
While the far-right National Rally party initially showed some willingness to work with Barnier under certain conditions, there are still hurdles to overcome in order to pass necessary reforms in a divided parliament.
Macron’s decision to call for a snap election backfired, resulting in a fragmented parliament with no clear majority. This political stalemate poses challenges for Barnier’s government to bring about meaningful change.
Despite the uncertainties, Macron’s choice signifies a new chapter in French politics with Barnier at the helm.