President Macron Names Michel Barnier as New Prime Minister in Bid to End Political Deadlock
President Emmanuel Macron has chosen Michel Barnier, the former EU Brexit negotiator, as France’s new prime minister after over 50 days of a caretaker government. Macron met with the 73-year-old veteran politician at the Elysee Palace, entrusting him with the task of forming a new government to break the political impasse following snap parliamentary elections.
Barnier takes over from Gabriel Attal, 35, who had a brief eight-month term. Macron’s decision to call early elections in June backfired, with his centrist coalition losing seats and no party securing a majority. Despite the left-wing alliance New Popular Front winning, Macron ruled out forming a government with them, leading to the appointment of Barnier.
As a member of the right-wing Republicans party, Barnier faces the challenge of navigating a hung parliament and advancing reforms while managing France’s deficit. Macron is banking on the far-right National Rally not blocking Barnier’s appointment, with party members expressing mixed reactions.
Macron’s move to install Barnier as prime minister has sparked reactions across the political spectrum, with some viewing it as a strategic play and others questioning the legitimacy of the election outcome.
